Chronicle Editor
Blessings Chidakwa, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday said Government is walking the talk in upgrading technology that continues to enhance connectivity nationwide, stimulating innovation, increasing productivity and ensuring access to vital services for citizens.
In a speech read on his behalf by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi at the official launch of a NetOne 5G base station at Boka in Harare South, the President said Zimbabwe’s technological future was bright.
Also launched were 14 base station towers deployed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) across seven provinces as part of the tower relocation programme (TRP), an initiative targeting rural and under-served areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
President Mnangagwa said the launch of the base station signified a transformative leap forward in Zimbabwe’s commitment to innovation, modernisation, and technological advancement.
On President Mnangagwa’s behalf, VP Mohadi distributed several laptops, printers, projectors to various schools in Harare and mealie-meal to Harare South residents who witnessed the base station launch.
President Mnangagwa said while celebrating the rollout of 5G services, there was a need to recognise how the initiative aligned with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which sought to establish Zimbabwe as a knowledge-driven economy.
“The introduction of 5G technology promises to enhance connectivity nationwide, stimulate innovation, increase productivity and ensure access to vital services for all our citizens.
“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we will pave the way for a smart Zimbabwe marked by smart cities, smart agriculture, advanced industries and enhanced education,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the launch of 5G was more than just an upgrade in communications infrastructure as it symbolised the Government’s commitment to a digital future that positioned Zimbabwe as a key player in the global technological landscape.
“With innovative solutions like this, we are dedicated to cultivating an ecosystem that encourages creativity, efficiency, and progress across all sectors of our nation.
“This digital transformation will permeate every facet of our economy and society, with these base stations serving as a crucial building block that empowers Zimbabweans to flourish in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the launch would facilitate the seamless integration of systems across vital sectors such as health, education, agriculture, mining and industry, significantly boosting efficiency.
“This enhanced connectivity will not only improve the quality of life for our citizens but also position Zimbabwe as a competitive and resilient player in the global economy.
“With faster internet access and broader connectivity, our businesses will flourish, our industries will gain a competitive edge and our citizens will be more connected than ever. However, we will not rest on our laurels.”
President Mnangagwa said as the chair of SADC, he was dedicated to promoting unity, collaboration, and co-operation among SADC Member States while working towards establishing a robust digital economy.
“I urge all stakeholders in the telecommunications sector to join forces, aligning our initiatives to bridge the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.
“We must leverage our collective strengths to create a more competitive SADC region that thrives on innovation and collaboration,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the consistent support from all-weather friends in the People’s Republic of China who through entities such as Huawei and the China Exim Bank had supported Zimbabwe’s technological advancements with their technical and financial support respectively.
He said Government’s advancement hinged on a robust and cohesive education system that equipped youths for the digital economy, adding that it was imperative to prepare children and future generations with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the digital age.
President Mnangagwa said while embracing technological advancements, people were supposed to remain vigilant about the pressing challenges the nation faced including climate change and the El Niño-induced drought which posed significant threats to food security and livelihoods.
He said by leveraging smart agricultural practices, such as real-time data analytics, precision farming and smart irrigation, the nation could transform these challenges into opportunities.
“It is essential that we increase our investments in innovative agricultural and food systems to ensure self-sufficiency and bolster our resilience against climate-related adversities.”
President Mnangagwa said Potraz, by embracing the principle of “leaving no one and no place behind”, had ensured that these towers were strategically placed in remote regions, enhancing digital inclusion.
“This advancement will empower citizens in these areas to access vital digital services, including E-Government, e-Learning, e-Health, Smart Agriculture, e-Commerce and improve their overall participation in our nation’s socio-economic development.
“The tower relocation project has also led to significant cost savings by re-purposing materials from donor sites. This initiative has made infrastructure sharing among mobile network operators, a tangible reality, fostering collaboration to deliver reliable telecommunications services to our citizens,” he said.
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