The ManicaPost
Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has developed a new National Information Communication Technology Policy that seeks to ensure reliable connectivity at affordable costs.
Speaking during a Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz) strategic planning workshop at a Mutare hotel early this week, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Tatenda Mavetera said the new policy replaces the outdated 2016 ICT Policy that has been overtaken by the rapid technological changes over the past few years.
“The ICT Policy seeks to ensure meaningful connectivity for all, which entails a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost.
“Meaningful connectivity is measured and determined by good internet speeds, adequate bandwidth and availability of reliable Internet enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
“I am glad to note that through a cocktail of projects, programmes and interventions, Potraz has been on the right trajectory and in sync with Government in the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, the Smart Zimbabwe Master Plan and the National ICT Policy,” said Dr Mavetera.
She said the National Broadband Plan seeks to provide access to broadband services at Government, business, household and individual levels, with the aim of redirecting Zimbabwe’s growth to be innovation driven.
“Realising the socio-economic importance of broadband and its transformative benefits to national development and overall quality of life, Government came up with the National Broadband Plan.
“It is envisaged that the National Broadband Plan will enhance the country’s global competitiveness, increase job creation and productivity, improve education, agriculture, health and governance in general, all of which are prerequisites for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
“It is refreshing to see that Potraz has done so well in aligning its work with Government policy and expectations. As you embark on your strategic planning session for 2024, we can only request that you continue on the same trajectory.
“However, I urge you to keep in mind that the future is uncertain. What worked today may not work tomorrow. Therefore, regulate with an open mind and leave room to deal with any unexpected eventualities in the technology space,” said Dr Mavetera.
Speaking at the same occasion, Potraz director-general, Dr Gift Machengete said there is need for organisations to move with the times.
“To enhance internet access in rural areas, Potraz continued with its flagship Community Information Centre (CIC) programme which was enhanced during the year with the construction of an additional 32 CICs which are now at various stages of completion.
“Completion of all 32 CICs will bring the total number of centres in the country to 202. This is a huge achievement in our national quest to ensure universal access to ICTs.
“In 2024, Potraz will start village based mobile training sessions with a view to improving CIC patronage. Although the number of people visiting CICs continue to increase steadily, Potraz is of the opinion that the CICs are underutilised due to the lack of computer skills among rural folk,” said Dr Machengete.
He said 2023 has been an extraordinary year after Potraz rolled out a massive Computer Lab per School Programme.
“The programme has so far seen a staggering 7 860 computers being distributed to 315 schools and universities. Such life changing interventions are affording learners in rural areas equal opportunities as those in towns, in terms of ICTs.
“However, while Potraz has done so much, the number of schools that still require computers is huge. Therefore we shall continue on this trajectory until we reach our target of equipping all underprivileged schools with computer labs,” he said.
Potraz has also implemented the Postal Automated Quality of Service Monitoring System at 35 ZimPost offices across the country.
The system tracks mail movements to enhance efficiency and reliability in the postal services sector, thus assisting in the rejuvenation of the sector through improved confidence.
