President Lungu said Zambia has made strides in improving socio-economic indicators because from 1995 to 2015, life expectancy in Zambia has increased by 43%.He said the average years of schooling for its people increased by 44%, and household income increased by 86%.
President Lungu said these figures are a living testimony of not just the great potential Zambia holds for its people but projects the country’s exemplary position and commitment in achieving sustainable development.
President Lungu said this in Lusaka today, in a speech read for him by Acting Minister of Transport and Communication Lawrence Sichalwe during at the 10th Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Conference.The conference has drawn over 180 delegates from over 80 countries across the globe.
President Edgar Lungu says government has continued to work towards adopting various sustainable measures aimed at improving the livelihood of its citizens.
He said therefore, in view of this background, government is thankful that Lusaka has been recognized as a platform to share the recent development and successes of the ICT4D.
President Lungu said government is committed to promoting the use of digital technology in reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“I am looking forward to exploring how digital technology is keeping people healthy, creating entrepreneurs, driving educational research and overall making a significant difference in the lives of millions of our people,” President Lungu said.
The Head of State further said he looks forward to hear not just good stories often told about the potential and possible use of ICTs in delivering sustainable development but real life accounts of the impact of their work demonstrating where and how ICT innovations are transforming lives of ordinary people.
He said the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) identifies ICT as a critical catalyst for economic development, job creation and a driver
of effective and inclusive public service.
of effective and inclusive public service.
President Lungu said not only does the 7NDP espouse diversification of the economy for sustainable growth, but that it includes an implementation mechanism to measure performance and results for increased success.
He said this is in line with the vision 2030 which seeks to transform the country into a digital economy without leaving anyone behind.
President Lungu pointed out that without a doubt, the 7NDP rests heavily on the innovative and overarching potential of ICTs.
He explained that one of the most successful implementation stories of ICT in recent Zambian history is the introduction of the SmartCare Electronic Health Records System.
President Lungu said by managing patient care records and clinical information through SmartCare patient cards, the Ministry of Health is able to provide accurate and continuous care for over 200,000 citizens.
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