African governments increasingly prioritize digitalization to streamline services and combat corruption inherent in bureaucratic processes. To encourage widespread adoption of digitization, improved internet penetration is essential, catalyzing economic developments across the continent, and unlocking numerous opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress.
The National Assembly of Zambia has received 156 Starlink kits from the Ministry of Science and Technology, in partnership with the Smart Zambia Institute, aiming to enhance digital communication and streamline parliamentary operations.
According to the parliament’s release, the kits handed over on February 29th, aim to “facilitate the full implementation of the recently launched My e-Parliament portal and will go a long way in bringing Parliament closer to the People.”
“My e-Parliament” is an online citizen consultation platform launched to “increase citizen participation in Parliamentary programs.” For Malungo Chisangano, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, it is a timely gift as the said application requires strong internet connectivity.
Honourable Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance, noted the transformative potential of the kits in facilitating communication with constituents, particularly regarding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), without the need for physical travel.
The donation signals a progressive move towards strengthening democratic processes and promoting inclusive governance in Zambia, enabling efficient and transparent parliamentary engagement.
As of October 2023, according to Mybroadband, Starlink initiated its operations in seven African nations, such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, significantly contributing to closing the internet connectivity divide across the continent. Starlink’s provision of dependable, swift internet connectivity to isolated and underserved areas fosters community development through improved educational tools, economic prospects, and communication systems.
Hikmatu Bilali
