daglous masveta
Online Reporter
Zimpapers is launching its new innovations that include the Typocrafters Bookshop and Coffee Shop, as well as the organisation’s digital transformation drive at Herald House in Harare.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere is the guest of honour.
In her welcome remarks, Zimpapers board chair Mrs Doreen Sibanda said the launch of the new projects is very important as they symbolise Zimpapers’ future direction in innovation and content creation.
Zimpapers digital structure unveiled
Zimpapers’ deputy general manager responsible for digital, Mr Elias Mambo presented the structure of the new digital newsroom at the launch of the media organisation’s digital transformation drive in Harare this afternoon.
Mr Mambo said the new structure will enable the convergence of all news-gathering processes, which will enable the media giant to digitalise all its services.
Typocrafters Bookshop promotes reading culture
The general manager of Zimpapers Typocrafters Mr Mutsauri gave a presentation on the structure of the book store.
He said that the book seller started as an exercise book manufacturer in Bulawayo but is now transforming into offering diverse services such as the bookstore and coffee shop.
The book store aims to promote the book industry, offer a launch pad for new books, and distribute the books.
It will also have a radio studio that will be used for podcasts and hiring out to those who might want to use it.
Mr Mutsauri also revealed that Typocrafters will be opening more book shops across the country in 2025.
He said the coffee shop, which will be under the same roof with the book store, will offer a refreshing place to relax and meet for short meetings.
Minister Muswere commends Zimpapers for embarking on digital drive
In his speech at the launch of the Zimpapers digital transformation drive in Harare this afternoon, the
guest of honour Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the project underpins the role of the media as the country marches towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
The Minister said Zimpapers’ core business was previously centred on distributing media through the print media but thanked the Zimpapers board and management for embarking on the digital transformation drive that will see the company distributing its content via digital platforms.
“It is high time that the media follows what the audience wants and I want to commend Zimpapers for embarking on the digital drive.”
Dr Muswere explained that newspaper circulation is going down and therefore it is important for the media to embark on digital transformation.
He also called for a cultural shift on the part of the content creators in line with the digital audience’s expectations.
Dr Machengete calls for provision of AI-enabled infrastructure
In his vote of thanks, Zimpapers board deputy chairperson Dr Gift Machengete thanked Minister Muswere for the direction he is giving in the industry’s digital drive.
He said Zimpapers is already using Artificial Intelligence applications but requested the Minister to help in the provision of AI-enabled infrastructure for the total transformation of the media.
