dyton mupawaenda
Gloria Muruva-Herald Correspondent
A knowledge-based society with internet connectivity across the country by 2030 is a prime Government policy, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said yesterday.
Speaking during the launch of the MISA Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence Southern Africa Report in Harare, Minister Mavetera said: “The National Development Strategy 1 prioritises ICTs as a cross-cutting measure to reduce the urban-rural divide and enable all citizens to access ICTs.
“This demands the development of smart solutions such as smart government, smart agriculture, smart health, smart transport, and smart cities using ICTs and other emerging technologies.”
Minister Mavetera said as the nation moved towards becoming an empowered upper-middle income society by 2030, it was important to establish a regulatory framework that facilitated access to ICTs while promoting trust and confidence in their use.
The Government believed prioritising the development of a robust ICT infrastructure, fostering an environment that encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship, and investing in the education and skills of citizens, was critical to ensure people were equipped to participate in the digital economy.
Recently, President Mnangagwa launched three ICT policies at a ceremony at Somabula Secondary School, which were expected to develop the country’s digital economy by creating an investment climate for all to succeed.
The policies included the reviewed National ICT Policy, the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan and the National Broadband Plan for broad connectivity in all communities.
Minister Mavetera said inadequate communication infrastructure, especially for people with special needs, was a great hindrance when it came to access.
“As a responsive Government, we have thus devised strategies to mitigate these challenges, which include; making Wi-Fi more freely available, including for educational use and ensure affordability by addressing internet access issues, providing complementary infrastructure necessary for the deployment of ICTs and promoting the development of digital skills for all citizens,” she said.
MISA Zimbabwe regional chairperson Mr Golden Maunganidze, encouraged communities to engage and contribute towards artificial intelligence.
“Collaboration and investment in the public and private sectors are crucial to establishing the necessary infrastructure and promoting capacity building and digital skills,” said Mr Maunganidze.
“To promote the sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence in Africa, capacity building and the development of local data sets are needed.
“This calls for the involvement of African innovators, policymakers and academics in AI conversations to ensure solutions align with African needs and priorities.”
But Mr Maunganidze said doing so required prioritising responsible AI practices, embarking on research, knowledge transfer and fostering local innovation benefits while safeguarding privacy and promoting inclusivity and respecting African ethics and standards.
Online Reporter