Republican Vice President W.K Mutale Nalumango has called on Parliaments in the Southern African to leverage technology and smart innovation in order to enhance good governance and socio-economic transformation.
Speaking when she officiated at the 56th Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Plenary Assembly in Zambia’s tourist capital, Livingstone, Honourable Nalumango who delivered remarks on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema said that the transformative role of technology to Africa’s growth has become more evident with the increase in the use of ICT in various sectors of the economy and governance.
The Plenary Assembly which is being held under the theme “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region”, focuses on the modernisation of Parliamentary processes through digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in a bid to create democratic, inclusive and efficient governance systems in the region.
Ms. Nalumango said that the theme for the Plenary Assembly was very instructive, for both Zambia and the SADC region as it speaks to the need for public institutions, such as Parliaments, to embrace technological solutions so that they become more responsive to the needs of the people.
The Vice President said that the Zambian government was spearheading the countrywide construction of over four hundred communication towers in an effort to transform the socio-economic status of our people improve public service delivery and enhance participation and inclusion.
And speaking earlier, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, the Right Honourable, Ms. Nelly B.K Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA, said that adopting and advancing technology within Parliamentary frameworks was a necessity if Parliaments are to explore new approaches that will make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of our people.
Speaking when she delivered her welcoming remarks during the SADC-PF Plenary Assembly, Speaker Mutti said that it was clear that adopting and advancing technology within our parliamentary frameworks is not merely a preference, but, a necessity.
“We are here to explore new approaches that will make our institutions more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of our people. Through innovation, we can amplify our commitment to inclusive representation, empowering voices across the SADC region to actively participate in the legislative process,” Speaker Mutti said.
She said the SADC Parliamentary Forum Assembly, presented an invaluable opportunity to address common challenges, share our experiences, and enhance collaborative efforts to build a better future for the citizens of Southern Africa.
Secretary General of the SADC-PF Ms. Boemo Sekgoma commended Zambia for being one of the first countries in SADC to announce the formulation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.
Ms. Sekgoma hailed Zambia’s progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals as well as African Union’s Africa Agenda 2063 which was aligned to the Model Laws of the SADC-PF.
She also commended the Government of Zambia for the progress in restructuring national debt which has resulted in freeing the country from the shackles of debt stress which she said was inline with SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management which encourages countries to reduce their debt obligations in view of fostering investment.
