By Staff Writer
The Ministry of Technology and Science has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASSECO Data Systems of Europe focused on developing new solutions and services for ZAMPOST.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati who delegated the signing ceremony barely 24 hours after the EU-ZAMBIA Economic Forum was opened by President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday, has said the MOU will put ZAMPOST at the toll of global technology.
Mr Mutati said the total investment value of the MOU is 10 Million Euros with a transactional contract to move the process to a point of delivery expected to be signed in July this year.
The MOU signing was also witnessed by EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz WojCiechowski, EU Ambassador to Zambia Jacek Jankowski, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga as well as Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Elias Mubanga.
Mr Mutati said the ministry is taking the first step towards securing very strategic and fundamental partnership in actualizing President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive that placed emphasis on the EU-ZAMBIA economic forum resulting in investment and achieving transaction at the end.
“We are responding to the directive by the President yesterday that our colleagues who traveled all the way from Europe to Lusaka, Zambia should begin to leave some euros in this country, because only money transforms lives. The euros are begining to drop and we think this will benefit not only ZAMPOST but Zambia in general” Mr Mutati said.
Mr Mutati said with his ministry’s focus being on digital transformation driven by inclusivity, transformation and partnership as key variables, the signing of the MOU with ASSECO Data Systems will be the beginning of ZAMPOST’s transformation.
He said the face of ZAMPOST will totally be different as the institution will now ensure that it impacts on the lives of Zambians, particularly those in rural areas by making transactions much more efficient and effective.
The minister said he understands the challenges that ZAMPOST faces, hence the need to think outside the box to create solutions in order to attend to those issues.
He said there was no better way than partnering with a strong global player such as ASSECO Data Systems which is the 6th largest IT company in Europe with a net profit of over 300 million euros annually.
Meanwhile, ASSECO Data Systems Senior Director for International Business Pawel Hansdorfer said the MOU is a second step towards supporting the Ministry of Technology and Science in the digitalization process of Zambian institutions and government.
Mr Hansdorfer said focus of the agreement will be to develop new solutions and services for ZAMPOST which will allow it to open new revenue avenues in a digital era, that will be beneficial for citizens and government.
Mr Hansdorfer said he is hopeful that the project to transform ZAMPOST will begin within the year.
