Upskilling to counter disruptive technologies critical
BUSINESSES in Zimbabwe must embrace digital transformation if they hope to stay competitive in a globalised market marked by quick technological advancements, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera has said.
Speaking at the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) 2023 Summit in Victoria Falls last week, Minister Mavetera urged businesses to upskill their employees to counteract disruptive technologies.
She said efforts to properly implement new technologies were being hampered by employees’ lack of technical knowledge.
Traditional Zimbabwean firms, she added, are finding it difficult to adjust to the age of digital disruption.
“Many industries still rely on outdated systems and processes that hinder their ability to compete effectively in an increasingly digitised economy,” she said.
She asserted that achieving Vision 2030 will need an adapt-or-perish mentality.
Minister Mavetera said limited access to affordable broadband internet infrastructure remains a barrier for businesses seeking to embrace digital transformation fully.
She noted that by investing in ICT infrastructure upgrades and integrating technology into operations, organisations could harness their power to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, create new revenue streams and gain a competitive advantage.
The formation of creative business models that adapt to shifting consumer needs may be made easier by digital transformation, she said.
“It is paramount in this digital age for organisations to adopt these novel technologies.
“However, if the end user of these technologies has not been upskilled to use them, the value expected to be derived from them by the business and Government will not be
fully realised.
“It is against this backdrop that computer literacy programmes have become an integral part of harnessing benefits that accrue from the digitalisation of our systems,” added Minister Mavetera.
She revealed that Government implemented a number of measures to encourage local firms to use ICT as a means of fostering economic growth.
She also described initiatives taken, in collaboration with telecommunication firms, to increase internet connectivity throughout the nation.
“The Government has also launched programmes to support capacity building in ICT skills among entrepreneurs, students and professionals.”
Minister Mavetera said the Government is constantly evaluating policy frameworks to adjust to new technologies, in addition to developing infrastructure.
“Our door remains open for recommendations and suggestions for the review of policies such as the National ICT Policy and the National Broadband plan, among other policies,” stated Minister Mavetera.
She noted that since artificial intelligence (AI) has taken centre stage, it is imperative that governments and the commercial sector reap the benefits of its adoption and application.
“Questions such as whether Zimbabwe is ready for artificial intelligence and the legal aspects around consumer protection are being raised.
“This is where the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services needs input from Government, private sector players and other stakeholders to advise and inform policy,” she said.
To close the digital literacy gap in society and the economy, she cited successful case studies from throughout Africa, where governments have pledged to train their end users by implementing tools like the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), which CSZ is providing.
“Among CSZ’s key involvements, we appreciate your key role and representation on the national digital economy committees, the e-government OPC technical committee, as well as NDS1 (National Development Strategy 1) strategic review processes and attendance at Government conferences such as the recently held ZEDCON,” added Minister Mavetera.
CSZ president Joice Benza said this year’s summit is running under the theme “Transforming Business Models in the Era of Digital Disruption”.
“While AI and all other technologies are critical, we have observed the low level of digital literacy in both the public and private sectors. Even within the digitally included levels, the literacy is still low,” Benza said.
She added that although there is still a large gap to be filled, they have made progress, both locally and in Zambia, with CSZ and ICDL products.
ICT associations computer society presidents from African countries that include Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa and Botswana attended the summit.