The Government has officially activated Lusaka City Council (LCC) on the ZamPortal, a 24-hour digital platform designed to transform how citizens access municipal services. The system allows residents and business owners to complete council transactions online without visiting physical offices or standing in long queues. This move forms part of a wider national digital transformation agenda aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across local authorities. It marks a major shift away from traditional cash-based systems towards secure and traceable electronic payments. The development is expected to reshape how urban governance operates in Lusaka and beyond.
The ZamPortal integration means residents can now access a wide range of services through a single digital platform. These services include payments for market fees, bus station charges, billboard permits, health permits, fire certificates, and other council levies. The system reduces delays that were previously caused by manual processing and long queues at council offices. It also provides users with the flexibility to make payments at any time and from any location. This convenience is expected to improve compliance rates while reducing pressure on physical service centres.
Lusaka City Council becomes the leading authority among Zambia’s 117 local authorities to fully implement the system. Other councils currently in the pilot phase include Ndola, Kitwe, Solwezi, Chingola, Kalulushi, Kalumbila, and Chilanga, all expected to go live on the platform by 30 June 2026. This phased rollout is intended to ensure stability, system testing, and effective capacity building before full nationwide deployment. The Government has positioned LCC as a model for digital adoption in local governance. Success in Lusaka is expected to guide implementation in other districts across the country.
During an inspection of the digital payment system, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Gabriel Pollen expressed confidence in the platform’s ability to modernise municipal operations. He emphasised that the system represents a decisive move away from outdated cash-handling methods that often created inefficiencies and revenue leakages. According to Dr Pollen, digital systems will allow councils to better track every transaction in real time. This will improve accountability and ensure that public funds are properly recorded and directed towards development projects. He described the transformation as a necessary step in improving public sector performance.
Dr Pollen further stressed that digital transformation is now a core requirement for effective service delivery in local government. He noted that every kwacha collected through council services must be properly accounted for and used to benefit communities. The platform is expected to strengthen transparency by reducing human interference in revenue collection processes. It also helps eliminate risks associated with cash handling, including mismanagement and loss of funds. The Government believes that this shift will restore public confidence in local authority financial systems.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged residents and business owners to fully embrace the ZamPortal platform for all council-related payments. He highlighted that the system is designed to be secure, accessible, and efficient, offering users a reliable alternative to in-person transactions. The move to digital payments is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks and improve turnaround times for service delivery. It also supports broader efforts to build a modern public service that meets the expectations of a growing urban population. Citizens are encouraged to adapt early to the system to maximise its benefits.
Dr Pollen acknowledged the role of institutional collaboration in making the digital transition possible. He commended the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and the Smart Zambia Institute for their coordinated efforts in developing and implementing the platform. He noted that the provision of ICT infrastructure to local authorities has been central to the success of the initiative. This collaboration reflects a unified government approach to digital innovation and financial efficiency. It also demonstrates a commitment to aligning local governance systems with national development priorities.
The launch of LCC on the ZamPortal marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a fully digital public service system. It represents a shift towards improved transparency, stronger financial accountability, and faster service delivery for citizens and businesses. The Government has positioned the platform as a key tool for modernising local authorities and reducing inefficiencies in revenue collection. With further councils expected to join the system by 2026, the initiative signals a long-term transformation of municipal governance. The move reinforces the country’s commitment to building a technology-driven, accountable, and service-oriented public sector.