New e-Transaction, e-Commerce Bills on way
By MAILESI BANDA GOVERNMENT is in the process of concluding the drafting and transcribing of the e-Transactions and eCommerce Bill which will be presented to Cabinet before the end of the first quarter of this year.
Minister of Transport and Communication, Brian Mushimba said the bill will promote social and economic growth in the face of technological advancements.
Mr Mushimba said his ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice will be presenting the Information Communication and Technology Society of Zambia (ICTSZ) Bill to Parliament once it resumes next month.
Speaking about the ministry’s plans for the year, Mr Mushimba said this Bill is meant to provide a legal framework for the regulation of ICT professionals and organisations and promote the development and use of ICT in the country.
“Following Cabinet’s approval, the ministry signed four SIs that effectively introduced a new licensing regime for existing and prospective operators in the ICT sector.”
“The new licensing framework ushered in further liberalisation in the telecommunication mar- ket, which is poised to see a new entrant of a Mobile Network Operator in Zambia” he said.
He said enhanced policy and legal framework will encourage development in the telecommunication sector.
“The enhancement in the policy and legal framework for the country also encouraged existing operators in the communication sector to invest in infrastructure and service upgrades. This has seen the price of internet data bundles starting to drop promoting competition led by market forces,” Mr.Mushimba said.
Mr.Mushimba also shared the ministry’s plans to partner with the Ministry of Higher Education to develop a Cyber City which shall be done with full private sector participation.
He explained that the cyber city will attract investments in technological research and development and practical skills development that will in turn enhance local human and corporate ICT capabilities for private and public entities.
“The Zambia Cyber City will be a business innovation hub, comprising workspaces, light manufacturing facilities, data cantre to catalyst educational research and innovation for small and medium enterprises Mr Mushimba says.