Story by Tichaona Kurewa
INFORMATION Communication Technology (ICT) experts have emerged as key players for the attainment of national and regional development.
This was highlighted at the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) 2025 International Summit, which officially opened in Livingstone, Zambia this Thursday, with governments spelling out their expectations of information communication professionals in the region.
“The ambition of the region is that we must migrate from a one-stop border post to a non-stop border post. Some work has been done, but the job is not yet done. So for the next 12 months, the ambition for the three (Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe) of us will be able to accomplish the non-stop border post, so that our citizens can transact across borders. So when we meet again next year, we should be able to say, politicians don’t only talk, they actually deliver results,” Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati said.
“The importance of collaboration between nations is also underscored by an East African proverb: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Zimbabwe advocates for the development of digital corridors with Zambia to facilitate trade, telemedicine, e-learning, and innovation across borders. To regional partners, the call is to identify and undertake joint projects in areas like cybersecurity, agri-tech, and digital commerce, aiming to complete at least one collaborative initiative before the next meeting,” the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera added.
ICT professionals are also expected to champion regional integration.
“This summit brings ICT professionals together, not just for networking, but to add real value. We are tackling topical issues like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure and more, and looking at how these impact daily life and business profitability, while also safeguarding citizens. Holding the summit in Zambia reinforces our commitment to regional dialogue. We have participants from South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and of course, Zimbabwe. We, the ICT professionals, are the intellectual drivers of Vision 2030 and the broader 2030 Agenda. Our role is to work side-by-side with governments to ensure policy is not only implemented, but impactful,” CSZ’s Harare Chapter Vice Chair, Ms Sharai Dube said.
The summit attracted over 100 delegates from across Southern Africa.
Recognising that no digital economy can thrive without robust security, Zimbabwe has also made notable strides in cybersecurity, including the operationalisation of the Cyber and Data Protection Act and finalisation of a National Cybersecurity Strategy.
