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Herald Reporter
Work continues with the commissioning of two more school ICT laboratories yesterday to implement the Government commitment of a digital economy and knowledge society in which all citizens have access to information communication technologies regardless of their geographical, social or economic status.
Speaking at the commissioning of Kakora Primary and Secondary Schools ICT labs in Mashonaland Central, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Covid-19 pandemic had remoulded the way business was being conducted.
Challenges brought about by the pandemic amplified the call for universal access to ICTs and use of digitally based platforms.
“The world has come to the realisation of the pivotal role that ICTs and the digital economy drive to connect all the people of the world virtually,” he said.
Millions of Zimbabweans still have no access to ICTs, said Dr Muswere, highlighting the need to bridge the digital divide.
“To that end, we continue to provide an enabling environment for the growth of the ICT sector, by deploying critical ICT infrastructure like schools’ ICT laboratories in our rural communities across Zimbabwe,” he said.
“From a policy perspective, it is Government’s wish for all citizens of Zimbabwe to have access to internet and digital connectivity, including the rural and low-income communities.”
The ICT Ministry through its partners and technical arm is rolling out a number of initiatives to increase the digital footprint in rural communities.
Government will ensure that all schools were equipped with requisite ICT equipment.
“Access to ICTs and effective participation in the digital economy is critical in improving the quality of life for all the citizens of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Muswere.
“Thus these digital economy projects and initiatives dovetail very well with our Ministry’s vision which is anchored on leveraging ICTs for sustainable development.”
Digital technology was important in facilitating the attainment of the aspirations of the National Development Strategy.
A digital economy is stated as one of the 14 national priorities underpinning the National Development Strategy 1 which runs from 2021 to 2025, in line with targets to attain an upper middle income society by 2030.
“Our ministry will continue to play its critical role in this transformation agenda by ensuring the deployment of the ICT infrastructure for all citizens, let alone our children,” said Dr Muswere.
“I once again, would like to restate our commitment to addressing and reducing the barriers to technology and the digital divide through policies and programmes aimed at ensuring the participation of all citizens in the digitalisation agenda.
“Advanced technological and digital skills are a prerequisite for the development of an innovation culture, which is the cornerstone for success in the digital economy and e-learning thrust. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us, as Government, to cultivate the e-learning culture among our children, in an effort to build relevant skills and capabilities for harnessing the digital economy for socio-economic development in Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter