‘Embrace ICTs to attract markets’

Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
EMERGING businesses and entrepreneurs have been urged to embrace modern information communication technologies to attract mobile markets and grow their enterprises. Discussion on the topic dominated yesterday’s meeting between online firms TechZim and ZOL Zimbabwe and Bulawayo entrepreneurs at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).

TechZim founder Soul Kabweza said the internet has big commercial opportunities that local businesses should exploit.
“According to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe 5,4 million Zimbabweans have access to the internet primarily via their cell- phones.

“Therefore there is need to penetrate that ripe market by creating businesses online to reach that dynamic number of people,” said Kabweza.

“Businesses that operate online bring value without spending a physical commodity. For instance, if people start a business like Facebook or start an advertising business online and engage companies to advertise on their website, they can make money.”

The participants numbering about 50 had the opportunity to ask questions with some saying access to internet was not covering all people.

Some said determining the viability of online businesses was difficult and short lived as technology changes fast.
However, Kabweza said TechZim and ZOL Zimbabwe took the initiative to assist entrepreneurs by encouraging them to start businesses online free of charge.

“We’ve a programme called Startup Challenge competition meant to provide participants with an overview of core skills and tools invaluable for any small business, particularly one that harnesses the power of the internet,” he added.

The competition covers Harare and Bulawayo entrepreneurs who are required to draft business proposals ahead of a selection process to determine the best.

Kabweza said businesses with successful proposals were being assisted financially to establish an online business.
“We’re moving towards the era of digitalisation, which encourages access to the internet. Starting a business online is commendable because Zimbabweans are slowly gaining interest on the internet.

“Searching for information online therefore one has to take advantage of that when they search for something online you provide it,” he said.