Infratel launch new innovation

 …Silavwe says the Microsoft Azure Stack Hub is but one of many initiatives Infratel has planned under the cloud strategy campaign named CLOUD 9 that has the capacity to enable Apps and Azure services accessible by customers right from the Infratel Data Centre.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka (25-08-22 - Zambia24) - Infratel Corporation Limited has officially launched the Microsoft Azure Stack Hub which will act like a vehicle created to accelerate adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) through provision of shareable digital and ICT infrastructure services.

Speaking when he graced the launch Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati expressed happiness that Infratel come up with Microsoft azure stack, a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.

Mutati said the government is particularly happy that Infratel has taken a direction that will ensure that data services provision is not only improved but secured.

He said the government understands that the path to sustainable economic and social development is aided by technology and science as evidenced by the many initiatives such as creation of an enabling environment for the growth of the ICT sector.

He said the growth of the sector is reliable ICT infrastructure, which forms the bedrock on which all innovation and creative solutions can be deployed for both the private and public sector.

He observed that Infratel and other players are investing in ensuring that Zambia has world class and globally certified infrastructure to support the digital transformation agenda of in Zambia.

He said the new dawn government will keep supporting Zambia's ambitious effort to transform its economy by leveraging the advantages of technology, science, innovation, skills development, digital transformation, and research and development, among other things.

“It is for this reason that my ministry is placing priority on creating an enabling policy and legal environment for the elements i have outlined to thrive.”

While Zambia is recording progress in these and many other areas, Mutati expressed concern with going digital transformation is the issue of cyber security.

“As we head steadily towards digitalization as a country, issues of cyber security, protection of personal information and sovereignty of data and information systems become a matter of concern. It is with this in mind that the government enacted the cyber security and cybercrimes act of 2021 and the data protection act of 2021. These laws should be accepted and complied to by all well-meaning Zambians.”

 To strengthen the cyber security and cybercrimes act of 2021, Mutati explained, the government is in the process of reviewing this law and create an enabling policy environment by reviewing the ICT policy.

He said the launch of the Microsoft azure stack by Infratel corporation demonstrates its contribution towards the governments’ digital revolution agenda that aims to transform the economy by being the partner of choice for all those businesses that want to embark on or are already on their digital transformation journey.

He said it is responsibility of government to create an enabling environment for all businesses, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), to adopt with ease the digital transformation agenda.

“As a ministry we have adopted the 5d strategy for the country’s digital transformation agenda which resonates very well with the initiatives which Infratel has undertaken. If i may remind you the 5d strategy refers to digital infrastructure, digital platforms, digital financial services, digital skills and literacy and digital entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Through the launch of the Microsoft azure stack, Mutati said, Zambia’s capabilities on digital infrastructure and digital platforms have been scaled up to meet global standards.

“These Initiatives are all working towards making Zambia an attractive digital hub for businesses to quickly setup or deploy solutions without worrying about digital infrastructure investments. The new dawn government is keen to ensure that the country attains growth in digital entrepreneurship and innovations while at the same time creating smart & sustainable job opportunities supported through the ICT sector.”

He said Infratel is launching the Microsoft azure stack, not only to fulfil its mandate but also going beyond to add value to businesses’ digital- transformation journey by providing accessible digital infrastructure and services that are offered from Zambia and will seamlessly support compliance to data localization initiatives.

And acting Infratel Chief Executive Officer Evans Silavwe told journalists during the launch that the Microsoft Azure Stack Hub is but one of many initiatives that Infratel has planned under the cloud strategy campaign named CLOUD 9 that has the capacity to enable Apps and Azure services accessible by customers right from the Infratel data centre.

He said Infratel take pride in the Cloud Solutions knowing all too well that businesses globally and locally, are adopting a cloud first strategy which offers many benefits, such as, Savings on CAPEX and OPEX, Scalability, Streamlining and coordination of IT infrastructure, Reduced human error and Improved recovery abilities.

In line with Infratel’s mandate, the focus will be not only to adopt emerging technologies, innovative solutions but also effective systems that will support customers to improve efficiency, innovation, and service delivery.

He said the launch of the Microsoft Azure Stack is a key milestone in trying to realise their objectives of leveraging cloud services and build on modern architectures and refresh legacy apps.

By deploying the first in-country Azure Stack Hub with broad cloud options and innovations for all workloads, Silavwe said, Infratel has made it very easy for businesses to adopt a cloud first strategy that will ensure compliance with data sovereignty provisions of the law.

He reassured the customers and potential customers that Infratel is ardently committed to them and take the mandate of ensuring that Zambia has the best ICT infrastructure.

He said Infratel would not have achieved this milestone had it not be for the enabling environment the government has created to foster growth of the ICT sector and the progressive policies and strategies being spearheaded by your Ministry are yielding great results.

He is hopeful and certain that the continued investments in our cloud computing services will live up to expectations and support the ambitious goals of the Republic of Zambia to attain a digitally enabled economy.

Meanwhile Board Chairperson Mirriam Chiyaba said that Infratel’s vision is to not to only to make ICT infrastructure services available and accessible in Zambia and beyond but to also continuously make innovations and deploy ICT infrastructure services to ensure customers cost effectively setup, operate and expand their reach as provided in the Strategic Plan that is nested on the five pillars that underpin the company’s vision, including operational excellence, service excellence, financial sustainability, innovation and good corporate governance.

He said the launch of the Microsoft Azure Stack Hub that has brought a gigantic achievement for Infratel as it highlights two of the five strategic pillars that are critical to the vision, that is, Service Excellence and Innovation.

He said service excellence is a key differentiator to get ahead of competition and have satisfied customers; while the pillar on innovation promotes research, adoption and adaptation of emerging technologies to develop new business solutions that meet the changing needs of customers.

He said Infratel believe that great businesses are not only defined by their character and their capability, but also by the impact they have on transforming the operations of businesses. 

Through the Ministry of Technology and Science, Chiyaba  said the New Dawn Government of His Excellency the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has committed to ensuring that there is digital transformation using a plan known as the "5D digital transformation agenda."

He named the five pillars of the digital transformation agenda as digital infrastructure, digital platforms, digital financial services, digital skills and literacy, and digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

He said the 5D agenda resonates with the Mission of Infratel, which aims at adopting emerging technologies, innovative strategies and effective systems that will support its customers to improve efficiency, service delivery, innovation and service coverage.

“Infratel is therefore clearly working with the government to implement a digital economy as we seek to change how businesses function. The CLOUD 9 initiative of the Azure Stack is just the beginning of Infratel’s commitment to the digital transformation journey.”