demand. The increase in the fuel pump price presented a threat as media houses rely on fuel for the transportation of journalists and coverage of events. Additionally, the migration of the ERB to monthly adjustment of pump prices in line with prevailing market conditions could create a volatile situation as media houses may not effectively predict costs. The introduction of standard taxation on newspapers also presented a threat for the coming year as the cost of operating a print media outlet could increase, with a ripple effect on the consumers. In comparison to the past quarters, the quarter under review showed some relative improvement (a continuation of the trend noted in the third quarter) in view of the negative outlook observed in the first and second quarters of the year. 3.4. Technological environment The technological environment in the quarter under review was largely uneventful with no major developments that could potentially impact the freedom of expression online. Among the notable developments was a pronouncement by Minister of the newly created Ministry of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, on intentions to digitise government services to promote convenience and eliminate wastage of resources. Hon. Mutati stated that: “Following the pronouncement by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema which saw the creation of the Ministry, my team at the Ministry has undertaken several steps to spur its position as an enabler of economic development through technology and science. We have engaged a number of exchange ideas on how to create partnerships in moving the national technology and science, innovation and skills development agenda forward. The Ministry will create an enabling environment by putting in place a policy and legal framework that will support a digital economy. We will put in place measures that will promote affordable access to digital infrastructure through enhancing connectivity, smart gadgets and service quality. Government services will be digitised in order to promote convenience, reduce transaction costs and eliminate wastage of resources in the delivery and accessing of public services. We will place particular priority on the digitisation of the national registration system to integrate system for FISP, social cash transfer and youth empowerment funds. 30