Zimbabwe Advances in Enhancing Digital Infrastructure, Says Minister
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Harare, Dec 13 (NationPress) Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in enhancing its digital infrastructure by emphasizing investment in information and communications technologies (ICT), Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera announced.
The focus on digital infrastructure has elevated the nation's mobile penetration rate to over 96 percent, the minister shared during an event on Thursday celebrating the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation Week, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The digital economy is no longer just a buzzword; it has become a reality that has reshaped our lives, work, and interactions. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is a transformative force with the capability to foster innovation, enhance efficiency, and create new opportunities," Mavetera stated at the gathering held at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.
She emphasized that a robust digital infrastructure is vital for any nation aiming to compete globally, advocating for strong digital frameworks that can accommodate the demands of emerging technologies.
"By establishing a resilient digital infrastructure, we cultivate an environment conducive to creativity and entrepreneurship," Mavetera remarked. "This is the space where our youth can unlock their potential, startups can thrive, and established businesses can leverage technology to enhance their operations."
She noted that improved digital infrastructure enabled Zimbabwe to launch e-learning platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating remote education.
Other initiatives gaining momentum due to enhanced digital infrastructure include ride-hailing services, mobile money services, and telehealth, Mavetera stated.
"We have already initiated telehealth services in Zimbabwe, marking a significant step forward, indicating the necessity of leveraging technology to enhance our government services," she added.
Additionally, Zimbabwe is progressing in the implementation of smart agriculture, providing farmers with real-time weather updates to boost their productivity and profitability, Mavetera highlighted.
The government has also rolled out e-government portals, e-procurement programs, and an electronic case management system within the Ministry of Justice to streamline government operations, she noted.
However, Mavetera expressed concerns about the digital divide, as many rural areas still lack access to reliable internet and digital services. "Our data storage and computing capabilities also require upgrades to meet the demand for efficient internet and other emerging technologies," she stated.
The minister urged for collaborations among government, industry, and academia to propel AI, innovation, and digital transformation across the country.
