Zambia Aims for Private-Sector Speed in Public Service, Partners with Nigeria
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| Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa |
Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has reiterated government’s dedication to transforming public service efficiency by aligning bureaucratic processes with the speed and accountability characteristic of the private sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Government Africa (DGA) 2025, summit held at Ciela Resort in Chongwe, Mr Kangwa acknowledged that successive governments in Africa often face heightened public expectations for dramatic improvements in service delivery.
He emphasized that under the current leadership, Zambia is working to blend the necessary government bureaucracy with efficiency standards typical of private enterprises.
“Zambia is fast-tracking reforms to reduce red tape and improve the quality and timeliness of public service delivery,” he said.
Mr Kangwa highlighted the government’s focus on priority areas, clear delivery targets and the establishment of a public-private dialogue forum, which brings together government and private sector stakeholders to identify and resolve regulatory bottlenecks.
As an example, he noted that some regulatory processes have been shortened dramatically, from two years to just two months.
He said key strategies include the adoption of electronic government systems, institutional restructuring and regulatory reforms.
Mr Kangwa also credited President Hakainde Hichilema’s private sector background for the current administration’s focus on efficiently mobilising resources, setting measurable goals and engaging the private sector to remove obstacles to business.
“Every change of government brings public demand for greater efficiency in service delivery. With the president’s private sector experience, we have been able to advance significant reforms,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Zambia on public sector transformation.
She underscored the importance of digital innovation and cultural change in African civil services.
Mrs Walson-Jack outlined Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation, guided by the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which aims to enhance efficiency, transparency and citizen-centred service delivery.
She pointed out that central to this effort is a cultural reform framework known as EPIC—Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-Centered service.
“We recognised that new tools alone were not enough, a new mindset was essential, that’s why we reintroduced the EPIC culture to inspire the level of service our citizens deserve.” She said.
She expressed her commitment to fostering intra-African cooperation, inviting greater knowledge-sharing between Nigeria, Zambia and other nations.
“Africa must lead the transformation of its public services. We extend a hand of collaboration to Zambia and beyond,” she affirmed.
The DGA Summit brought together leaders from government, private sector, and civil society across Africa to discuss strategies for digital governance, innovation, and economic transformation.
The three-day summit, held under the theme “Accelerating Digital Transformation for E-Government”, brought together leaders and experts to explore practical strategies for modernising public service delivery, enhancing cybersecurity, and building digital trust.
Throughout the summit, participants examined topics such as digital identity, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, change management, and investment in public sector innovation.
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