Zim launches technology-business forum

Molline Gagare Business Reporter
THE Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services in conjunction with a local ICT firm, TechnoMag, have launched a Tech@School programme that seeks to create interface between tertiary students and the business community. The new programme comes at a time when the country is working on embracing modern technology, a critical component towards developing a robust industrial base.

Deputy Minister of ICTs, Win Mlambo officially launched the programme at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo at a function that was attended by Technomag founder and chief executive officer Tonderai Rutsito and students, last Friday.

“The launch of Tech@School is a timely and opportune episode in the history of Zimbabwe.

“The endeavour by TechnoMag to transform businesses through the guidance of students on selecting subjects that are appropriate for the target industry is highly commendable,” said Mlambo.

The Deputy Minister said the initiative from TechnoMag blends well with the e-government and e-learning programmes that are being implemented.

“This programme will buttress the President’s Computerisation Programme. In fact, and in some way, the launch of Tech@School, is in consonant with President Mugabe’s vision of ‘psychomotor,’ where subjects learnt by students should have a more practical component in order to equip the students for real life in future,” Mlambo said.

He said the launch of Tech@School was in conformity with the guidelines of the government’s economic blue-print, Zim-Asset, which emphasises the need to transform the economy through “thinking outside the box”.

“From the ministry’s point of view, by adopting ICTs in achieving the objectives of Tech@School, nudges the fulfilment of the ministry’s mandate forward. We view this as the private sector’s contribution towards the turnaround of the economy. This is much appreciated,” said Mlambo.

The Tech@School programme will be launched in the Midlands and Masvingo provinces on dates yet to be announced.