Towards attaining a digitally enabled economy
GOVERNMENT says it will increase investment towards improving the Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) infrastructure this year as part of efforts towards attaining a digitally enabled economy.
Good ICT infrastructure helps improve production efficiencies across sectors in line with global trends and also as espoused in the National Development Strategy ( NDS) 2021-2025.
To enable this, Government will also fully exploit the opportunities presented by ICTs, ensuring a conducive business environment that enables new investments by the private sector to keep pace with the rapidly evolving ICT landscape.
“Technology is the new frontier driving change and transformation within economies and communities.
“Innovation is transforming and disrupting traditional industries and creating new ones that are driving economic growth and providing platforms for societies to connect, “said Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in the 2021 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Development.
“The NDS for 2021-2025 seeks to facilitate the attainment of a digitally enabled economy, where all sectors embrace ICTs to improve efficiency and effectiveness, in line with the global trends,” he said.
This also comes as the world over, governments and innovators are looking for ways of enhancing economic growth using
Government is also looking at improving the country’s ranking on the ICT Development Index.
As of 2017, the International Telecommunications Union ( ITU) ICT Development Index ( IDI) Report, ranked the country at 136 out of 176 and this was mainly due to limited access to ICT services and high bandwidth costs.
In line with this, the Treasury boss added focus will be on further deployment of broadband infrastructure, investments in last mile connectivity, smart Government systems and establishment of ICT access centres for marginalised groups.
During the 2021 year, sector regulator - Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe ( POTRAZ) will through the Universal Services Fund ( USF) disburse $500 million for the construction of 10 base stations, with the infrastructure being shared by all players in the industry. This will enhance network accessibility in the country.
Other projects lined up include rolling out of a 4G network around the country, a project that will take up an estimated $1,9 billion to complete.
Said Minister Ncube: “In line with the objective of enhancing ICT usage in the country, Government is rolling out e-Government systems in the areas of health, education, agriculture and the judiciary, among others.