Inetum establishes Digibank in Zuiderkempen region to provide digital access to citizens

Inetum Belgium is setting up a Digibank in the Zuiderkempen region, encompassing the municipalities of Geel, Herselt, Hulshout, Laakdal, Meerhout and Westerlo. This initiative aims to assist citizens with digital inquiries and provide secure digital equipment lending services. 

Inetum, a European leader in digital services and solutions, has realized a Digibank under its existing framework agreement with the city of Bruges. The Digibank serves six local administrations within the interlocal association Employment Zuiderkempen. It focuses on providing digital access to vulnerable young people in a secure environment while also streamlining operational management for the municipalities and alleviating the burden on local IT services. 

Empowering citizens through Digibanks 

The Flemish Government has allocated funds to cities and municipalities to ensure digital inclusion of all citizens, as part of the Flemish Resilience relaunch plan. Digital banks play a crucial role in this plan by reducing the risk of digital exclusion of vulnerable groups. Inetum's Digibank initiative offers a safe space where citizens can address digital questions, return used devices, borrow digital materials, study, print, and more—all at no cost.  

Jo Leemans, Director Technologies at Inetum Belgium says: "Establishing Digibanks is fully in line with our strategy to play an active role in the secure digitization of society through a B2B2S (Business-to-Business-to-Society) model. We are proud to be able to help Zuiderkempen citizens and their communities in this way. It aligns perfectly with our purpose to make a digital impact, but faster, easier and for the good of all.' 

Ten Digipoints in Zuiderkempen region 

Inetum set up the Digibank in the Zuiderkempen within the existing framework agreement of the city of Bruges. This initiative not only benefits citizens but also supports municipal operations. 

Steve Mommaert, Solution Manager Digital Workplace at Inetum Belgium adds: “Thanks to our Workplace-as-a-Service service, the operational management of the Digibank is simplified for the municipality. We ensure a secure environment for cybersecurity, which is paramount.” 

Inetum begins by securing all devices, followed by the creation of a secure application store. After use, each device is thoroughly wiped and prepared for the next user. 

Tinne Lommelen, Employment and community work expert at Sociaal Huis Geel: "Inetum has worked out and implemented a complete approach for us from A to Z, which is exactly what we needed. This approach relieves our IT department, allowing them to focus on daily tasks, while the Digibank ensures secure digital access for our citizens. We are extremely satisfied with the professionalism and success of this project.” 

Currently the Digibank already has 10 Digipoints. The six local boards have the ambition to establish at least 2 or 3 more. Additionally, there are plans to collaborate with adult education institutions in the Kempen region to offer training on smartphone usage and laptop operations.