Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma in Kadoma
THE Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, has urged players in the sector to embrace inclusive digital transformation as a critical pillar towards the attainment of Vision 2030 goals.
The country is on a trajectory to attain an upper middle-income economy by 2030 with the Government continuing to review and formulate policies that accelerate domestic development in line with the changing technological advancements.
In her remarks at the ICT Ministry’s 2024 strategic planning review workshop, which is underway in Kadoma, Dr Mavetera said the development of the country’s ICT sector must be guided by President Mnangagwa’s clearly articulated inclusivity approach.
“We must prioritise inclusive digital transformation as encapsulated in the mantra ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ in our strategic plan. This means ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, have access to digital tools and resources,” she said.
“Initiatives such as the ‘Digital Ambassadors’ programme must be rolled out without delay. Digital Transformation is founded on policy and tangible deployment of connectivity.”
Dr Mavetera also implored ministry staff, State-owned enterprises (SOEs) executives, parastatals and participants at the workshop to utilise the gathering to align their operations with broader policy expectations for the sector.
“To this end, we must conclude all pending policies and legislative matters such as the A I policy, the Postal and Courier Services Policy, Child Online Safety Policy, E-Waste Policy, ICT Start Up Policy, the E-commerce and E-Transcations Bill, as well as amendments to the Postal and Telecommunications Act,” she said.
“There is a need to also develop policies that deal with other disruptive technologies such as IoT, Block Chain Technology and machine Learning.
“The formulation of policies and laws is meaningless if we cannot translate it to improved connectivity for the general populace. Collaboration between the Government and private sector will be crucial in improving connectivity, driving innovation and expanding access to ICT services.”
By working together, Dr Mavetera said Zimbabweans can create an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship for the common good. She reiterated the need to invest more into applications development and creating an enabling environment for the growth of innovations in that regard.
ICT deputy minister, Dingumuzi Phuthi, said delegates’ participation in the workshop highlights the collaborative spirit that is essential for the successful implementation of ministry’s strategies.
“We appreciate your support and the invaluable perspectives you bring to the table, which will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and outcomes.
“This workshop is pivotal as we aim to finalise the Reviewed Strategic Plan, develop the 2025 Annual Operational Plan, and establish the performance contracts for our leadership team.
“Your presence and guidance set a positive tone for our deliberations, reminding us of the importance of unity and shared purpose in achieving our goals.
“To all attendees, let us carry forward the momentum generated today as we engage in meaningful discussions over the next few days.
“Let us commit ourselves to producing outcomes that reflect our dedication to service delivery and innovation within the ICT sector,” said the deputy minister. – @mthabisi_mthire.
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