The Fast-Paced Digital Evolution: An Analysis of the National Assembly of Zambia's Technological Transformation
About the National Assembly of Zambia. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The National Assembly of Zambia's implementation of an in-house application is a testament to the potential of digital transformation in ensuring the continuity of public services amidst global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative reveals the Assembly's commitment to not just maintaining operations but enhancing accessibility and citizen engagement through digital technology. The accomplishment demonstrates the art of the possible when dedicated teams, with the right skills and resources, are confronted with the necessity for rapid adaptation.
An Expedited Technological Leap
The National Assembly of Zambia embarked on the development of an in-house application in April 2020. Remarkably, it took the team merely six weeks to finalise and launch the application, an impressive achievement that speaks to the strength of the team's commitment and skills. In a remarkably short time, the Assembly was able to digitise its processes, enabling members to carry out their constitutional duties remotely.
The initial version of the application ran on Android, but plans were set in motion to extend its reach to other operating systems. An OS application was subsequently developed to run on iPads. This not only expanded the application's accessibility but also improved its versatility, ensuring that more Assembly members could benefit from the application regardless of the devices they use.
Facing Challenges and Building Resilience
Despite the rapidity of the development and launch, the team faced significant challenges. A significant hurdle was the short time frame they were given to implement many of the changes. For instance, when the standing orders changed to allow hybrid seating, the team was given just two weeks to implement the changes. This necessitated an extremely proactive approach, and an immense amount of work had to be done in a limited period.
However, these challenges also highlighted the team's resourcefulness and dedication. It underscored the premise that successful implementation within a short time frame is indeed possible when there's strong commitment, proper skill set, and a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved.
Towards a Comprehensive Digital Strategy
The application's successful implementation is only the beginning of a broader digital transformation journey for the National Assembly of Zambia. The institution's digital strategy is far-reaching and ambitious, with a vision of full automation using various e-services by the end of the following year. A key feature of this strategy is to extend the application's reach, fostering citizen participation and engagement with the Assembly's proceedings.
The digital strategy's holistic approach is designed to ensure that all the different services are interlinked and communicate with each other effectively. This strategy will inevitably increase transparency and improve the Assembly's overall efficiency. This digital strategy extends to the use of various social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and aims to develop more applications to streamline citizen participation in the Assembly's proceedings.
Conclusion
The digital transformation of the National Assembly of Zambia presents a compelling case study of a swift and efficient transition to digitalisation. The success of this initiative lies in the commitment and skill of the team, a clear vision for the future, and an unyielding dedication to improve accessibility and citizen engagement. The experience also showcases the immense potential that digitisation holds for government institutions worldwide. Moreover, it shows that the timeline for digital transformation can be dramatically accelerated when circumstances necessitate urgent action. As the National Assembly of Zambia continues to enhance its digital transformation strategy, it provides an invaluable model for other institutions seeking to implement similar changes.