Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
RESEARCH in Information and Communication Technology remains the backbone and foundation of evidence-based policymaking as the country drives towards attaining the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Vision, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) Director General, Dr Gift Machengete has said.
Reiterating POTRAZ’s commitment to supporting research at an ICT Research Symposium held in Masvingo on Tuesday, Dr Machengete said they will continue supporting research with the ultimate goal to transform findings into practical solutions for Zimbabwean communities.
“Through the POTRAZ ICT Research Journal, partnerships with universities, and our Innovation Fund, we continue to nurture homegrown solutions, ensuring that research translates into practical impact across communities. This symposium reflects our ambition to build a connected, knowledge-driven, and innovation-led economy, where research and innovation are central to development, driving the country towards its smart Zimbabwe 2030 Vision.”
The Second Edition of the ICT Research Journal, an initiative supported by POTRAZ has also been launched as the symposium enters day two.
As the country continues to place research and innovation at the centre of development towards achieving the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Vision, there was consensus among academics and delegates for research excellence in ICT that translates into improved livelihoods.
“As tertiary institutions and researchers under the guidance of the Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy, our understanding of research excellence must be contextual. We should strive for an impact that improves the standard of living for our people. I am confident that through this symposium, we will be able to proffer such solutions as we strive to attain our national vision,” Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said.
“A vibrant research culture is what we aim for. It is not just about producing papers, it is about quality, robustness, and building a community of scholars passionate about exploring the unknown and making a tangible impact on our motherland, Zimbabwe,” ICT Research Journal Chief Editor Professor Sam Takavarasha added.
The two-day ICT Research Symposium is running under the theme: ‘Advancing Digital Transformation through Progressive ICT Research.’
