daniel chigunwe
Joshua Muswere
Herald Correspondent
THE Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services yesterday held its annual interface meeting with stakeholders in Harare, to address systematic challenges affecting the telecommunications sector and come up with policies critical to enable economic growth, innovation and transformation.
Stakeholders falling under the ministry were given an opportunity to express their grievances and suggest solutions on how the country can achieve its set objectives in the ICT sector such as the National ICT Policy (2022-27), National Vision 2030, the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan and Africa Agenda 2063.
The role of the ministry in the realisation and fulfillment of Zimbabwe’s developmental trajectory and aspirations is critical given the integrated and cross-cutting nature of digital technologies and the role of a digital economy in driving economic growth, employment and sustainable development.
The adoption of technology by traditional sectors of the economy such as postal and courier services, banking, health and logistics among others emphasises the role of digital transformation in driving inclusivity and accessibility, empowering various communities, and enhancing economic opportunities across diverse regions.
As the deliberations came to a conclusion, Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera delved into the strategies the ministry is set to implement to address the gaps mentioned by different stakeholders.
“This year we’ve got a target of 150 000 people that we need to train in terms of digital skills, cyber-security and other disruptive technologies.
“We are also going to be having a programme this year which we are calling the Digital Ambassadorship Programme. This DAP is going to be launched in the first quarter, to enhance our digital literacy as a country”.
The interface meeting presented a platform for open discussions where telecomms players openly, and collectively addressed issues and shared insights to develop solutions, benefiting all parties involved.
A key presentation was that of the Telco Broadband managing director, Ms Dumisani Nomagugu Nkala, who emphasised the need for agile policy development, transparent policy implementation and policy consistencies.
She said there is a need “to meet the growing global trends to keep up and adjust to technical advancement through the establishment of the industry think thanks to ensure that policy becomes more forward-thinking” and accepted by the masses.
“This is without neglecting the importance of policy consistency, which guarantees a regulatory environment that fosters industry growth and inclusive economic growth,” Ms Nkala said.
Among the issues discussed include eGovernment and Smart Solutions, Policy and Regulation, The Zimbabwe ICT Sector Strategic Trajectory for 2025 and The Digital Economy.
As the country moves towards its digital economy realisation by the year 2030, with continued focus and strategic partnerships, Zimbabwe can unlock unprecedented opportunities for all its citizens.
The consistent growth of the sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape, fostering innovation, creating jobs and driving sustainable development.
