Zimbabwe Charts Digital Future

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

In a strong affirmation of its commitment to navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Zimbabwean government has pledged to drive technological innovation guided by the core principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and a vision for long-term resilience. This commitment was underscored at a significant gathering in Harare this Thursday, where technology enthusiasts, policymakers, and industry leaders convened to deliberate on innovations and strategies for enhancing digital transformation across various sectors.

The government assured stakeholders that its pursuit of technological advancement is firmly anchored in these critical values, aiming to create a digital future that benefits all citizens.

The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, highlighted the significant strides made in the past year. “In the past year, we have made remarkable strides in enhancing connectivity throughout the nation, bolstering digital literacy efforts, and nurturing a culture of innovation,” Minister Mavetera stated. She further detailed key achievements: "By forging strategic partnerships with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and other key stakeholders, we have successfully increased our internet penetration rates and launched 5G connectivity. We have licensed low earth orbit satellite connectivity, reinforced our broadband infrastructure, supported the establishment of innovation hubs, and created inclusive platforms for dialogue and policy development."

Minister Mavetera also provided an update on crucial policy developments. "Together with the entire sector, we collaborated in crafting the National AI Strategy, the National Cyber Security Strategy, as well as amendments to the Postal and Telecommunications Act. I am confident that the final versions of these critical documents will be published and gazetted this year." She emphasized that these initiatives are thoughtfully aligned with the nation's overarching vision, Vision 2030, which aspires to cultivate a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society.

Dr. Gift Machengete, Director General of POTRAZ, reiterated the progress made in ensuring safety within cyberspace, a vital component of digital transformation. “As we move towards a technology-driven space, it is important that users feel safe in cyberspace, which means we must have a strategy for data protection, and we are excited that we have made progress in this regard,” Dr. Machengete remarked.

The collaborative spirit between the government and the private sector was also a key theme. Mr. Edward Nyamuda, an organizer of the summit, expressed appreciation for the government's supportive role. “We are excited that the government is supporting us as the industry. We are challenged to come up with cutting-edge innovations, and it is an invitation to everyone in the industry to make an initiative so that the industry grows,” he said.

Discussions during the high-level summit centered on crucial topics shaping the digital era, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, and broader Digital Transformation strategies. The insights shared and commitments made signal a concerted effort by Zimbabwe to build a robust, secure, and inclusive digital economy, positioning the nation for long-term growth and prosperity in the global technological landscap