Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Government has hailed local technology companies for helping drive the digital transformation of public services, saying stronger partnerships with the private sector are critical to improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona made the remarks on Thursday during celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of local software and business solutions provider 1010 Technologies.
The company has partnered with Government on several digital transformation initiatives, including the Zimbabwe Integrated Transport Management System (ZIMTIS), which is being used to integrate operations across key transport and revenue-collection institutions.
These include the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara), Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), traffic police and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), among others.
Minister Mhona said the company’s three decades of experience demonstrated the important role that local technology firms could play in modernising public institutions.
“Over the past three decades, 1010 Technologies has evolved into a technology solutions company with considerable experience in developing, implementing and supporting systems, particularly within Government and the public sector,” he said.
He said technology-driven transformation should ultimately result in better services for citizens rather than simply replacing traditional paperwork with computers.
“As a software solutions integrator, the company has developed technologies that improve operational efficiency, revenue collection, regulatory compliance, security and, importantly, the experience of citizens accessing public services,” he said.
“This is significant because technology must ultimately serve people. Digital transformation is not simply about replacing paper with computers. It is about making services faster, more accessible, more transparent and more efficient; reducing unnecessary bureaucracy; strengthening accountability; and enabling institutions to make better decisions using reliable information.”
Minister Mhona said the transport sector, in particular, required integrated systems because it involved multiple institutions whose operations were closely interconnected.
“Our relationship with 1010 Technologies has developed over many years and demonstrates what can be achieved when Government and local technology companies work together towards clearly defined national objectives,” he said.
“The transport sector is an ecosystem involving numerous institutions, including the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, Central Vehicle Registry, Zimbabwe National Road Administration, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, among others. These institutions cannot operate as isolated islands.”
He said the institutions required integrated platforms capable of securely sharing accurate information to improve service delivery and strengthen regulatory processes.
“They require integrated systems, accurate information and platforms that can securely communicate with one another. Increasingly, they also require technology that enables Government to provide services conveniently, securely and transparently. This is the importance of our digital transformation programme,” he said.
1010 Technologies chief executive officer Retired Brigadier General Charles Wekwete said the company’s 30th anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to the country’s technology sector while looking ahead to the next phase of digital transformation.
“Our 30th anniversary gives us an opportunity to appreciate where we have come from, but more importantly, it challenges us to consider what the next 30 years should look like,” he said.
“We remain committed to developing relevant technologies, strengthening our partnerships and contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.”
ENDS_
