Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare
ZIMBABWE continues to take centre stage in playing its part in the advancement of technology after on Wednesday it hosted the official launch of the IFIP Women in ICT Africa platform, a continental initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership in the technology sector.
The event was held in Harare through a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation while bringing together ICT professionals, policymakers, innovators, academics and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
It marked the laying of a foundation for a stronger and more coordinated network of women driving digital transformation on the continent.
Founded under the auspices of UNESCO in 1960, the International Federation for Information Processing is one of the world’s most influential ICT organisations, bringing together national computer societies from 43 countries across five continents.
The establishment of the Africa platform is expected to create new opportunities for women innovators, researchers and technology professionals to contribute to continental digital development priorities while building strategic partnerships with industry leaders and policymakers.
Addressing stakeholders at the official launch, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera who was represented by her deputy Dingumuzi Phuti, said IFIP Women in ICT Africa represents a bold declaration that the future of technology on the African continent must be inclusive, innovative and shaped by the talents of all Africans, especially the women whose ideas and leadership will define the digital era.
“For many years, conversations around technology have focused on devices, infrastructure and connectivity. Today, we bring the focus back to people, because behind every innovation is a human mind; behind every digital solution is a dream; behind every technological breakthrough is talent that must be supported and empowered. Africa is not joining the digital revolution as a spectator.
“Africa is becoming a leader, a creator and a contributor to the global digital economy.
Allow me to commend IFIP for this visionary decision to establish Women in ICT Africa and to anchor this continental initiative here in Africa. This is not merely symbolic. It is strategic,” said Minister Mavetera.
Minister Mavetera said the establishment of Women in ICT Africa recognises an important reality: Africa’s digital transformation cannot succeed if women are not at its centre.
“Our continent has the world’s youngest population. We have dynamic women innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers and policymakers who are already creating solutions and transforming communities. The question before us is not whether African women are capable of leading in technology. They have already demonstrated that they are. The question is whether we are building enough pathways for them to reach their full potential.
“We live in a time where knowledge is power and innovation is the currency of progress. Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries. Digital technologies are reshaping economies. Cybersecurity, data science, robotics and emerging technologies are changing the way we live and work,” said Minister Mavetera.
Minister Mavetera said President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Mnangagwa have advocated for digital transformation in Zimbabwe.
“President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has consistently emphasised that national development requires the participation of all citizens. His call, “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” reminds us that the Zimbabwe we seek to build must be built by empowered citizens with the skills and opportunities to contribute.
In the digital era, this means ensuring that our women and girls are not observers of technological advancement, but architects of it.
“Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, whose commitment to empowering women and girls continues to create opportunities for young women. Through the SheTech Initiative, Her Excellency has helped open pathways for girls and young women through scholarships, mentorship and exposure to STEM fields. SheTech carries a powerful message:That every girl, regardless of background, can become an engineer, a scientist, an entrepreneur, a researcher or a leader in technology,” said Minister Mavetera.
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