Story by Fungai Jachi
HARARE – IN response to the ever-evolving technological landscape, the government has committed to drive technological innovation guided by sustainability, inclusivity, and a vision for long-term resilience.
Technology enthusiasts, policymakers, and industry leaders gathered in Harare this Thursday to deliberate on innovations and strategies aimed at enhancing digital transformation across various sectors.
The government assured stakeholders that its pursuit of technological advancement is anchored in the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
“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. 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.
“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. These initiatives are thoughtfully aligned with our overarching national vision, encapsulated in Vision 2030, which aspires to cultivate a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society,” the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera said.
POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift Machengete said significant strides have been made to ensure safety in cyberspace, while organisers of the event appreciated how the government is involving the private sector in shaping the digital landscape.
“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 said
“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,” summit organiser, Mr Edward Nyamuda said.
Discussions during the summit centred on topics that include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Digital Transformation.
