STUDENTS STEP INTO DIGITAL LEADERSHIP AT SMART ZAMBIA’S NIPA TRAINING
Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 8th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a strategic move to advance digital inclusion and youth empowerment, the Electronic Government Division (SMART Zambia Institute) held an intensive orientation programme for Digital Ambassadors at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA).
The one-day workshop brought together 15 enthusiastic first- and second-year students, selected for their potential to champion the adoption of e-government services within their communities. The training was meticulously designed to provide participants with hands-on experience in navigating and promoting Zambia’s growing suite of digital platforms.
Officially opening the programme, Mr. Brian Nawa, Principal Change Management Officer, delivered an inspiring address highlighting SMART Zambia Institute’s mission to modernize public service delivery. He outlined the vision behind the Digital Ambassadors initiative — to cultivate a network of tech-savvy youth who will:
- Guide citizens in accessing a wide range of government services via the Government Service Bus (GSB) and ZamPortal;
- Raise public awareness about the convenience and benefits of digital government solutions;
- Foster a culture of digital literacy and technological adoption across the nation.
The orientation featured a series of expert-led sessions, with valuable insights shared by SMART Zambia’s senior officials including Ms. Manyando Namakando, Ms. Chunga Manzi, Mr. David Nchinga, and Mr. Emmanuel Simunchembu. Topics spanned digital literacy essentials, cybersecurity, and the operational framework of e-government platforms, ensuring that participants were left equipped with both the knowledge and the tools to make a tangible impact.
Following the training, these newly inducted Digital Ambassadors will play a pivotal role in extending the reach of e-government services. They are tasked with educating their peers and communities on how to engage with over 300 services currently accessible through ZamPortal.
This initiative is a cornerstone of SMART Zambia Institute’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at closing the digital divide and nurturing a future-ready generation. By empowering young people with critical digital competencies, the Institute is fostering a more inclusive digital ecosystem — paving the way for a smarter, more connected Zambia.
The Agency.