Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Bureau
THE need for accelerated collaboration between the public and private sectors has been identified as key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring the optimal utilisation of Africa’s abundant resources for sustainable economic growth.
Such collaboration is expected to foster partnerships that enhance development and drive economic progress across the continent.
Speaking at the recently concluded Strategy Execution Advisory Talks (SEAT) Africa Summit 2025 in Victoria Falls, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, emphasised that stronger co-operation between public and private sectors is essential to unlocking the full potential of the digital economy.
Held under the theme “Harnessing and Optimising Technology for Business Growth and Success,” the summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders. It took place at a time when Zimbabwe has placed digital transformation at the core of its national development agenda.
“Public-private partnerships and cross-border digital trade can unlock new markets. The private sector must actively engage with governments on supportive policies, such as broadband access,” said Dr Mavetera.
“Working together, we must integrate into pan-African digital platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand trade opportunities.”
Dr Mavetera commended SEAT for partnering with the Government to convene the Africa Summit 2025, describing it as a reflection of mutual commitment to building a knowledge-based society, developing enabling infrastructure, and promoting transparent, data-driven policy formulation.
“Through SEAT Africa’s tailored coaching and our national ICT literacy programmes, we will ensure citizens at every level gain the digital skills necessary to innovate,” she said.
“We will also co-create enabling infrastructure by aligning SEAT Africa’s insights into private-sector needs with our regulatory frameworks and the development of community information centres. This will enable the delivery of affordable, reliable connectivity to both rural and urban communities.”
Dr Mavetera noted that the summit would influence reforms in procurement efficiency and digital governance, further positioning Zimbabwe as a regional leader in transparent governance and the ease of doing business.
She reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, calling on stakeholders to unite behind a shared vision of technology-driven transformation, in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Highlighting how technology is transforming African businesses, Dr Mavetera cited innovations ranging from mobile payments revolutionising commerce to artificial intelligence optimising supply chains, noting that the digital age presents boundless opportunities.
The Government, she added, is ready to collaborate with the private sector on ICT policy and regulation, recognising the urgent need for modern, agile policies that support digital transformation.
“We need to streamline approval processes for digital start-ups and e-commerce platforms, and co-design regulatory sandboxes that allow innovators to trial cutting-edge solutions under supervision,” she said.
Dr Mavetera also underscored the importance of proactive infrastructure development.
“While many African businesses face tough conditions, digital adoption is the bridge to a brighter future. That future depends on the investments we make today.”
Key infrastructure plans include the expansion of broadband backbones, the establishment of digital community information centres in underserved areas, and public-private partnerships to finance last-mile connectivity. Investments in cloud computing, e-commerce platforms, and automation are also high on the agenda.
“Africa leads the world in mobile money innovation. We must continue leveraging mobile payment solutions to broaden customer reach and utilise fintech platforms for seamless transactions and improved credit access,” she added.
Regarding public sector transparency, Dr Mavetera stated that the Government would integrate SEAT Africa’s best practice frameworks into the national e-procurement portal, promoting accountability and competitiveness.
She also called for a co-funded research and development initiative to support home-grown innovations in fintech, smart health, agritech, and other emerging sectors — working in collaboration with local tech hubs and start-ups.
“As we embrace digital transformation, security is paramount. We will harmonise data protection guidelines with continental standards to safeguard both citizens and businesses,” said Minister Mavetera.
This includes the development of cyber-resilience training, co-delivered with SEAT Africa, and a strong focus on cyber security to protect customer data across sectors.
The SEAT Africa Summit is a global event that included representation from Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Monaco, and the United States.
@nyeve14
Bongani Ndlovu