Story by Joyce Mabika
ZIMBABWE has joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Archives Week, observed annually during the second week of June under the auspices of the International Council on Archives.
This year’s theme, “Archives for Justice, Rights, Memory and the Future,” highlights the critical role archives play in preserving information, promoting accountability and safeguarding national heritage.
As technological advancements continue to reshape the global landscape, Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to modernise records management systems through the adoption of digital technologies.
In line with this drive, a symposium aimed at strengthening records management in the digital era will be held in Nyanga, bringing together records management professionals from across the public sector.
Director of the National Archives of Zimbabwe, Ms Brenda Mamvura, said the symposium will provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and develop strategies to support the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“As an institution that superintends over records management in government ministries, departments, parastatals, local authorities and State enterprises, we found it necessary to convene records professionals in Nyanga to discuss emerging trends, share experiences and challenge one another to improve service delivery in support of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
“As records professionals, we will focus on five key thematic areas, including the transition to e-government, which requires a shift from paper-based records management systems to electronic records management,” she said.
Ms Mamvura noted that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are becoming increasingly important in records management and information governance.
“There will also be discussions on the application of artificial intelligence in records management, as well as cybersecurity and data protection. These are critical areas, given the growing importance of safeguarding information in the digital environment. We need to ensure that practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen cybersecurity and protect sensitive data,” she said.
As Zimbabwe advances its e-governance agenda and public institutions increasingly embrace digital records management systems, stakeholders believe the transformation will enhance efficiency, improve accountability and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and upper-middle-income economy status.
