In a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and collaboration, the Zambia Police Service and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) granting RTSA access to the I-24/7 system.
The signing ceremony, held on January 23, 2025, at the Zambia Police Service Headquarters in Lusaka, marked a new chapter in streamlining motor vehicle registration processes and strengthening the fight against transnational crime.
Enhancing Data Access for Efficiency
Inspector General of Police, Mr. Graphel Musamba, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. He noted that connecting RTSA to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database would accelerate motor vehicle registration and instill public confidence in the system.
“I believe that once RTSA is connected to the INTERPOL SMV database, it will expedite the motor vehicle registration process and give confidence to the citizens, which will, in turn, increase revenue collection for the government,” said Mr. Musamba.
To ensure effective use of the I-24/7 system, Mr. Musamba encouraged RTSA users to undergo thorough training to familiarize themselves with the platform’s functionalities.
Addressing Registration Delays
RTSA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Amon Mweemba, expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the persistent delays in motor vehicle registration that the Agency has been grappling with.
“And we could not see the reason why, as cooperating partners, we could not share this information which resides within the Zambia Police Service. We are gratified that, at last, you have said we can have access,” Eng. Mweemba stated.
He further underscored how this collaboration aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of improving efficiency in service delivery across all sectors.
Strengthening National Security
The I-24/7 system is a secure global communications network connecting law enforcement agencies across INTERPOL member countries. By granting RTSA access, the MoU not only simplifies vehicle registration processes but also bolsters national security efforts.
This partnership facilitates seamless information sharing between RTSA and the Zambia Police Service, enhancing their capacity to combat transnational organized crime by leveraging shared resources and real-time data.
A Step Towards Better Public Service
This MoU is a clear demonstration of Zambia’s commitment to leveraging technology and inter-agency cooperation to improve public service delivery. The collaboration promises to create a more efficient and secure process for motor vehicle registration while addressing broader issues of safety and accountability on Zambia’s roads.
With this groundbreaking agreement, the Zambia Police Service and RTSA have set a strong precedent for how partnerships can drive progress and improve service delivery for the benefit of all citizens.