Zambia Moves to Amend Electronic Government Act to Strengthen Digital Services
The Electronic Government (Amendment) Bill is designed to modernize provisions that currently require physical documents or handwritten signatures, slowing the transition to end-to-end digital processes.
The Zambian Government, through the SMART Zambia Institute , has proposed amendments to the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021 to remove legal and operational barriers and enable fully integrated digital public services.
The Electronic Government (Amendment) Bill is designed to modernize provisions that currently require physical documents or handwritten signatures, slowing the transition to end-to-end digital processes. The amendments provide legal recognition for electronic submissions and digital authentication conducted through approved government systems, facilitating a more connected and efficient digital service ecosystem.
The bill also addresses operational challenges, including fragmented and vendor-locked systems that impede data sharing, highlighting the need for governance, policy, and legal alignment rather than purely technical solutions.
In addition, the amendments reinforce data protection, cybersecurity, and inclusive access, ensuring that non-digital service channels remain available where needed. Stakeholder feedback from the ongoing consultation process will be incorporated before the final draft is submitted to the Ministry of Justice for approval, advancing Zambia’s vision of a seamless and citizen-focused digital government.
