ICTs boost national development: Minister
GOVERNMENT has urged Zimbabweans to embrace the use of artificial intelligence technologies in improving livelihoods and enhancing sustainable development goals and economic development.
Addressing hundreds of people at Murewa Centre during commemorations of the 2018 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira (pictured right) said information communication technology (ICT) is vital in enhancing national development as it provides artificial intelligence, which he described as the use of computer systems for tasks that require human decision-making capabilities.
“As we celebrate this day, we raise awareness on the benefits of ICTs to our society and economy.
“This year’s theme is ‘Enabling the positive use of artificial intelligence for all”, the application of artificial intelligence yields positive impacts including cost reductions, efficiency gains and unlocking innovation and opportunities for small businesses and start-ups,” he said.
He urged the rural populace to embrace ICTs because they play a significant role in changing people’s lives.
“Artificial intelligence-based technologies are already emerging as a key component of proactive tools and applications being used to help people lead better lives by improving healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, transportation and a wide range of other services.,” he said.
He added that artificial intelligence can be used to develop custom textbooks to change teaching from general knowledge to mastery in learning.
“Artificial intelligence can be used in higher education for the likes of tutoring and robot-based instruction for learners, it can help educators develop a more personalised form of learning by gleaning patterns from data and offering insights to point students in the right direction,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe director-general Dr Gift Machengete commended the Government for bringing technology to the people saying that ICTs will reinforce productivity efforts for the rural populace.
“While we celebrate this day, I call on our operators to do more in providing connectivity and in order for the benefits of emerging technologies to be realised early and for such benefits to be distributed equitably in Zimbabwean society, broadband connectivity is an immutable prerequisite,” he said.