Zambia Commits to Digitization for Sustainable Social Protection Systems
The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digitization to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social protection systems.
Speaking at a workshop on enhancing social protection digitization, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, highlighted the significant role of digitization in improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.
Despite the progress, Ms. Kawandami acknowledged existing challenges, including fragmented data systems, insufficient ICT infrastructure, and gaps in skills development. She assured that the government is actively addressing these issues to ensure digital transformation in social protection becomes a reality.
The government’s efforts include the establishment of e-governance, digital services, and the integration of technology across various government functions.
Ms. Kawandami also emphasized the ethical use of technology, urging stakeholders to innovate, adapt, and stay ahead of technological trends to enhance the social protection sector.
UNDESA Inter-regional Advisor on Social Development, Mr. Claudio Santibanerz, praised Zambia’s social protection models and expressed hope that continued collaboration would improve digitization and system integration.
He stressed the importance of long-term partnerships and advanced frameworks to maximize the impact of digitization on beneficiaries.
The workshop, facilitated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), aims to strengthen Zambia’s social protection systems through enhanced digital capabilities, contributing to a more responsive and effective welfare system for all Zambians.
