Zimbabwe commemorates World Telecommunications Day
Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
Zimbabwe is developing an Artificial Intelligence Policy to ensure the information communication industry is in tandem with global trends.
Zimbabwe marked World Telecommunications and Information Society Day in Madziwa this Friday at a time the sector is experiencing exponential growth.
The day comes at a time when US$4 billion has been invested in the sector over the past 15 years.
“World Telecommunications celebrations are done by 192 countries all to celebrate the importance of telecommunications. Information and how telecoms and ICT have assisted in bringing people together and economic development of countries,” said POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete.
TelOne Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Lawrence Nkala said, “The telecommunications collected US$4 billion in the past 15 years resulting in significant progress. We have achieved a 90 percent mobile penetration rate against a regional average of 40 percent. Today as operators and innovators we are reminded of the role we as digital players play.”
The event witnessed the launch of Madziwa Community Information Centre and the handover of 100 laptops to schools in Shamva, in a move aimed at leaving no one and no place behind the development matrix.
“We are happy with the laptops we have received and this is going to help us in delivering ICT education,” said Mutumba High School Head, Simbarashe Katsamba.
“The launch of this information centre will help us and our children conduct research and other activities in line with modern ICT trends,” said one of the villagers.
The World Telecommunications Day which is celebrated every 17th of May, ran under the theme: ‘Innovation for Sustainable Development.’
