The Zambia Development Agency has today launched the ZDA online portal which will make ZDA services available to local and international investors 24/7.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said the launch of the online service platform is important as it compliments Government’s efforts of strengthening Public Service Performance Management Systems. This is aimed at promoting effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of public goods and services to support economic transformation.
The minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation Mr. John Mulongoti.
Mr. Mulenga applauded the successful launch for four online services by the Zambia Development Agency, namely: Investment Certificate of Registration, also known as Investment License; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Certificate of Registration; Developer’s Permit for Special Economic Zones; and MFEZ Operator Permit.
He stated that the initiative will contribute towards the country’s Green Economy by reducing the amount of paperwork in the application process.
“The ZDA Online Platform signifies a major departure from the traditional paper-based application, where clients of the Agency had to come with bulky documents to submit their applications,” the minister said.
And speaking earlier, ZDA Board Chairperson Professor Biemba Maliti said the launch fulfils Government’s commitment in the Eighth National Development Plan to improve the country’s policy and governance environment through strengthening public service performance management systems by leveraging ICT to access public services.
Professor Maliti said the ZDA Online Services are expected to improve the ease of doing business and reduce the cost of doing business in Zambia for both local and foreign investors.
“This will result in increased investor confidence and subsequently a general increase investment attraction,” elaborated Professor Maliti.
Meanwhile, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa said the launch of the online portal will ease the process of investment licenses for the Agency and its clients.
Mr. Halwampa thanked the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry, Smart Zambia and all parties that contributed and facilitated development of the online system.
