Digital Economy Need Post Corona
Covid-19 has laid bare the need for a digital economy, with the Government committing itself to providing an enabling environment for the growth of the sector.
Mitigatory measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus have seen a larger chunk of the working population being told to work from home and making themselves useful through technology and conducting some meetings virtually.
This was said by the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere at the official launch of the Community Information Centre (CIC) here yesterday.
President Mnangagwa’s administration had already put shoulders to the wheel in the implementation of the National ICT Policy, resulting in more than eight million Internet subscribers being recorded at the end of last year.
“As Government, we remain committed to the attainment of a digital economy and a knowledge society,” said Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere said Government is in support of the drive to bridge the digital divide through the different programmes the regulator is undertaking to ensure that those in remote rural areas have access to ICTs.
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director general, Dr Gift Machengete, concurred with Minister Muswere saying the world is experiencing tremendous digital transformations, which have seen the emergence of a host of new technologies.
“The roll out of CIC, therefore, excites me as such centres ensure that no one is left behind in the virtual world — such centres ensure that rural communities are at par with cities in terms of access to information,” said Dr Machengete.
The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira, highlighted the telling impact undertaken by POTRAZ in the province.
Minister Chadzamira noted projects such as one in Chikato, the connection of schools to base stations, training members of the community in basic computer skills, and providing laptops to schools in this Province. “As responsible citizens, we will ensure that the facilities you have availed will not be abused or vandalised,” said Cde Chadzamira.
