Govt digital platforms collect K8.8bn in revenue

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

GOVERNMENT’S digital payment and service delivery platforms have collected more than K8.8 billion in revenue as the country accelerates efforts to modernise public services and strengthen financial accountability.

Ministry of Finance and National Planning Principal Accountant Daniel Mwewa said platforms such as the Government Service Bus (GSB), ZamPortal, ZamPay and the Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG) have become central to the government’s digital transformation agenda.

Speaking at the just ended Zambia International Trade Fair, Mr Mwewa said more than 400 government services, including passport applications, ground rent payments and road tax transactions, can now be accessed and paid for electronically.

He said citizens and businesses can make payments through bank transfers, debit and credit cards, mobile money platforms and commercial banks.

Mr Mwewa said the continued increase in collections reflects growing public confidence in digital service delivery.

“The continued growth in collections and usage demonstrates increasing public confidence in digital service delivery and reflects Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve convenience, transparency and accountability,” he said.

He added that the digital ecosystem has also been extended to local authorities as part of government’s decentralisation programme.

Mr Mwewa said eight local authorities have already been onboarded, with plans to roll out the system to all 116 councils nationwide.

He revealed that about K21.7 million has been collected through the platform since the rollout to local authorities began about a month ago.

The system now enables residents and businesses to make electronic payments for property rates, business levies, permits and other council services, with participating local authorities already reporting improved revenue collection and financial oversight.