The government has committed to harnessing digitization’s power to build inclusive, resilient, responsive, and sustainable social protection systems.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami has observed that digitisation has notably enhanced accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the delivery of services.

The Permanent Secretary has however acknowledged that despite these innovations, the social protection sector is still characterized by data and management information systems which are developed in silos, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and skills which she said the government is working to adequately address.

Ms Kawandami was speaking at the capacity building workshop on enhancing social protection digitization in Zambia facilitated by The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Ms Kawandami therefore assured that government remains committed to ensuring that digital transformation becomes a reality evidenced by the establishment of e-governance, the provision of digital services, and the incorporation of technology into various government operations.

The Permanent Secretary also emphasized the ethical use of technology and further implored various stakeholders to be more innovative, solve problems, remain adaptable, keep pace with technological advancements, and seize opportunities in the globalized world for the success of the social protection sector.

And UNDESA Inter-regional Advisor on Social Development, Mr Claudio Santibanerz appreciated Zambia’s social protection models which he hoped with enhanced collaboration would facilitate effective digitization and system integration.

He said there is a need for advanced frameworks on social protection digitization through long-term partnerships to maximize developmental impact on beneficiaries.