.Mukanga

By BRIAN HATYOKA –

THE business community in Zambia has been urged to embrace the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enable them become efficient in the manner they conduct their businesses.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said there was need for the business sector to be in tune with changing trends in the global economy through tapping into ICT profession.
Mr Mukanga said ICTs were important in moving the country forward and enriching business development.
He was speaking in Livingstone at Chrismar Hotel yesterday when he opened the Information and Communications Technology Society of Zambia (ICTSZ) conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The conference, which had attracted scores of Zambian ICT experts, was being held under the theme ‘Information and Communication Technology for Innovative and Creative Thinking’.
Mr Mukanga said ICTs should be a conduit for economic development and in ensuring that the country had sustainable development.
“Yes the business community could have been doing business as usual but time has come for them to embrace ICT so that they become efficient.
“We also need to see our own professionals running reliable ICT services, developing and running systems and in maintaining and repairing our damaged infrastructure,” Mr Mukanga said.
He also said it was important for ICT professionals to exhibit professionalism in their operations to create confidence in the industry.
The minister said the Government was putting in place developmental programmes which would change the landscape of the ICT sector.
“Without ICTs, there would be no sustainable development and hence we want to change the way we conduct ourselves. Government is conducting huge projects and one such project is the Universal Access which involves connecting the schools and higher learning institutions.
ICTSZ president Mofya Chisala said his organisation has numerous challenges such as lack of recognition by stakeholders.
Mr Chisala said the enactment of the ICTSZ Bill would make it mandatory for all ICT players to recognise its existence and its role, making it easier for creation of mutual benefits.
“With your continued support to get the Bull enacted, we assure you that the society will be exemplary in its execution of its mandate and make your Ministry and Government proud, of its operations,” he said.