National start-up strategy for entrepreneurs on cards

PLANS are underway to draft a “National Start-up Strategy” that will guide and promote the development of new information communication technology (ICT)-related businesses and projects in the country.

The need to enhance policy support for start-ups is critical for unlocking more opportunities in the ICT sector, which is a critical enabler in growing the country’s economy in line with global trends.

Zimbabwe is among the champions in embracing digital technologies in Africa and has mainstreamed the use of ICTs in its National Development Strategy (NDS1) as a key thematic focus area, as part of strategies to realising an upper middle-income economy vision by 2030.

The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, stressed the need to develop a National Start-up Strategy in an interview on the sidelines of the recent ministry’s strategic planning review workshop held in Chinhoyi.

The workshop was attended by telecommunications stakeholders and senior Government officials operating in the sector.

Dr Mavetera said the planned National Start-up Strategy, will also help equip ICT entrepreneurs with requisite knowledge.

“There is a need for a National Start-up Strategy, which will support the growth of start-up ecosystem and drive the development of start-ups and tech-related talent,” she said.

“A strategy is not an operational plan but a roadmap outlining our goals and objectives. It is the foundation of our contribution from our sector to a collective ability to achieve Vision 2030,” said Dr Mavetera.

She stressed the need for ICT players to re-imagine and introduce a new way of doing things with a focus on driving equity through a culture of teamwork openness and accountability.

“We should anchor our strategy on infrastructure and services, policy, legislation and regulation, digital skills investment and funding, innovation, local production, inclusiveness, content and applications,” said Dr Mavetera.

“Also, the strategy should focus on emerging disruptive technologies, partnerships and collaboration, sustainability, and safe use of digital services.”

The minister also said there was a need to create innovative solutions for small to medium enterprises and access to ICT services and programmes to every Zimbabwean across the country.–@mthabisi_mthire