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The government has signed the Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) Act of 2018 Statutory Instrument (SI), aimed at regulating the ICT sector in the country.
Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said the ICTAZ Act of 2018 SI would bring structure and ethical oversight to the professional conduct of those working in the Information Technology space.
Speaking during the signing of the ICTAZ Act of 2018 SI and the launch of the ICTAZ system at the 2024 Gala Dinner and Awards in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mutati stated that the regulation is crucial for ensuring the country’s digital landscape is secure, transparent, and trusted by all.
“The Statutory Instrument we are introducing today should not be viewed as restrictive, but rather as a legal framework that provides the backbone for responsible, ethical, and professional practice in the Information Technology sector,” he said.
Mutati highlighted that the regulation is designed to protect the public interest, create accountability for practitioners, and enhance trust in the systems built and managed by ICT professionals.
The minister further explained that the ICT Professionals’ Code of Ethics and Conduct aims to establish standards, promote respect for the profession, and safeguard public trust.
“Previously, ICT expertise was scarce, but with widespread access to computers and the internet, many now claim to be ICT specialists.
“However, this has led to individuals with limited skills presenting themselves as experts,” he added.
Mutati stressed that the regulation would help ensure quality, accountability, and public trust within Zambia’s ICT industry, calling for standards and professionalism on par with other professions like accounting, law, engineering, and medicine.
ICTAZ President Clement Sinyangwe noted that the SI will enhance the association’s ability to ensure all IT practitioners are registered and adhere to appropriate standards.
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He added that a modernised electronic registration system would allow corporate members to register their IT teams centrally, regardless of location.
Similarly, Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama hailed the SI as a bold move to curb illegal ICT practices and ensure only registered professionals operate in the industry.
He said that the platform’s launch was timely, addressing issues of social media misuse in Zambia.
“The spread of negativity, insults, and derogatory content on social media is alarming and contradicts our cultural values. This development will promote professionalism and protect the public interest,” Chinyama said.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure Zambia’s ICT sector grew responsibly and benefited all citizens.
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