Information and Communication Technologies have been an integral process in delivering of services by the National Assembly of Zambia. Various technologies have been embraced in its core functions of legislature, representation, oversight and budget approval. National Assembly of Zambia has embraced ICTs in recent years and therefore the institution is constantly applying and exploring areas of its application to make Parliament transparent, open and efficient in development and supporting the country’s democracy.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The mandate of the Department is to provide software and information infrastructure, manage the Institution’s ICT network and hardware infrastructure, training and support to Members of Parliament and Staff and secure all the ICT infrastructure from malicious attacks within and from outside.

The Department’s core functions include the following:

• Hardware Infrastructure
• Network and Security Infrastructure
• Applications Infrastructure
• Broadcasting Infrastructure
• Training
• Support

Hardware Infrastructure

The Department has the mandate to ensure that all departments including the National Assembly Motel and constituency offices are adequately equipped with computers, printers, scanners, and other ICT equipment. Therefore, all departments that require ICT equipment to perform their duties are fully equipped with the necessary tools.

Network and Security Infrastructure

The department is responsible for providing networking infrastructure within the institution to support efficient processing of business processes and also to provide the necessary security.

Applications Infrastructure

The department is also responsible for software development and business applications that are used by the institution in undertaking and fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

Training

The National Assembly is accredited by the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and is a centre that provides training and examining centre for both Members of Parliament and Staff.  In the quest to have an information knowledgeable society, Members of Parliament are trained in basic Computer courses and office productivity tools and also on how to conduct research using the Internet.

Support

The department is responsible for ensuring that all the ICT equipment that is distributed to the other departments including the one hundred and fifty (150) constituencies is running in good condition. This mandates the department to perform regular repair and maintenance of equipment.

Broadcasting Infrastructure

In the quest to reach the masses, Parliament has embarked on many programs among others which include Parliament Radio Broadcasting Services. The ICT department makes available the much needed infrastructure support to ensure the smooth transmission of live Parliamentary debates to parts of the country currently covered.

Parliament radio station is dedicated to air the live proceedings of the House.  It can be accessed in the following towns, with the following radio frequencies.

• Kapiri Mposhi 91.3 FM
• Mansa 91.5 FM
• Kasama 91.5 FM
• Lusaka 92.5 FM
• Solwezi 93.3 FM
• Kitwe 94.1 FM
• Chipata 95.7 FM
• Mongu 98.1 FM
• Livingstone 100.5 FM
• Monze 105.5 FM
• Pemba 105.5 FM
• Choma 105.5 FM
• Kabwe 91.3 FM

Miscellaneous Functions

General Support

Managing Internet and Email services

Research and Development

Electronic Voting

Conclusion

To fulfil its vision and goals the National Assembly through the ICT department has capitalised on the benefits that ICTs provide to interact with the public, and to collaborate with other bodies relevant to its functions.