Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT says it is investing towards increased digital connectivity across the country ahead of the 2030 Digitalise Zimbabwe targets.
Karoi became the second town to host the Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving ICT Expo which brought together state-run institutions and the private sector all showcasing progress made towards digitisation of their product and services.
Digitisation is earmarked to enhance transparency and improve efficiency while also eradicating manual access to critical services.
“We have plans to increase our base stations and also upgrade our broadband from 3G to 4G so that we enhance connectivity. We understand that we occupy a critical role in bridging this digital gap,” said one of the attendants.
Another added, “As Chinhoyi Municipality, we have digitised through investment in GPS systems where we can track what happening in the town related to road, water systems and many more. We also have a running website so residents can track their stands application and pay their rates online. We are playing our part and heeding the call by government to digitise.”
“As PRAZ, we have also gone digital, in which the tendering process, application, monitoring and evaluation and access is online. This creates a borderless community when we bridge the physical boundaries and enhance service delivery,” another noted.
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera and her counterpart, the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo emphasised the role played by ICTs in facilitating economic growth.
“This expo will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase the latest advancements in information and communication technologies (ICTs). It will bring together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and the general public to explore the vast potential of digital solutions in driving economic growth, improving public service delivery, and enhancing the quality of life for all Zimbabweans. Thus, the Roving ICT expo are more than just events; they are a testament to the government’s unwavering resolve to create a future where technology empowers every citizen, from the bustling cities to the remote villages,” she said.
“As a province, we welcome and appreciate this initiative but the government because it speaks to the direction being taken by government in enhancing service delivery through digitisation. When we completely digitise all our systems we are able access critical services anywhere which also enhances transparency and accountability. We will continue with the efforts of creating digital awareness given that we have community information centers which offer free wi-fi,” said Hon Chombo.
Government has since established community information centers across the country as a way to bridge the digital gaps between rural and urban communities while also equipping the youths with digital skills.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is targeting to train at least 150 000 youths by the end of the year in various fields related to digital entrepreneurship.
