Zim showcases at Hungary expo

John Nyashanu in Budapest, Hungary
Zimbabwe this week joined the rest of the world at the 2015 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Conference in Budapest Hungary where players from some 120 countries are charting the way forward in the world’s fastest growing sector.

The Zimbabwean contingent is led by ICT Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister Dr Win Mlambo.

Apart from the Zimbabwean Government, the country’s fastest growing mobile telecommunications company NetOne, regulatory body Potraz and TelOne are participating at the week-long extravaganza.

In his message of solidarity, United Nations Secretary General Ban-Ki-Moon urged ICT players to utilise the sector in alleviating poverty throughout the world.

“You play a critical role in achieving the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted by world leaders to guide our work through to the year 2030. I encourage government officials and technological leaders gathered in Budapest to foster greater innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector especially among small and medium size businesses,” said the UN boss.

In an interview, Deputy Minister Mlambo said Zimbabwe is learning more at the conference as the country strives to avail the latest technology to all corners of the country, including rural areas.

“As we look at affordability of access to information in Zimbabwe it is our goal to spread broadband to the rural areas, so that we meet the ITU deadline of 2020 to have done it.

“We feel that our participation here is extremely important as we get ideas from other members of the international community who have done it before and those planning to do it,” said Dr Mlambo.

NetOne Managing Director Engineer Reward Kangai said his organisation is learning a lot at the global indaba as it rolls out the latest technology, including 4G to all parts of the country.

“This is the perfect platform for any serious organisation to learn and understand the latest trends in the industry. As you are aware new systems are coming up every day and if you entertain any hopes of remaining on top of the game there is serious need to participate at global events of this magnitude,” said Engineer Kangai.

Running under the theme “Accelerating ICT innovation to improve lives faster” the conference ends tomorrow.