Expectations are also high that the new strategic plan would transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge society and contribute significantly to the growth and development of the national economy.
The Ministry of Information Communication Technology has already finalised the ICT Bill and is awaiting approval from Cabinet before the legislative piece goes to Parliament for further scrutiny.
ICT Minister Nelson Chamisa said the strategic plan would address issues of cyber security, assist in the establishment of a governance regime, ICT utilisation, infrastructure development and management, e-business and e-government, ICT investment and partnerships.
In addition, the plan would also focus on promoting research and development in ICT and also mobilisation of resources to achieve the ministry’s mandate of transforming the ICT sector.
Furthermore, Minister Chamisa said the plan would have quick-win targets such as harmonisation and optimisation of infrastructure, establishment of achievers awards, setting up ministerial websites, capacity building, ICT Government schools and development of communications infrastructure, among others.
"This strategic plan by the Ministry of ICT promotes the emergence and convergence of information and communication technologies, guides and consolidates the priorities to transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge society, and pulls the entire nation around a single vision," said Mr Chamisa when he launched the plan on Monday.
He said through the plan, the Government would address the developmental challenges associated with the implementation of a national ICT policy framework and create conditions conducive for ubiquitous connectivity and the pervasive use of ICTs. The plan would also enhance telecommunications penetration rates, currently at about 23 percent for mobile and 3 percent for fixed phones.
Notwithstanding potential benefits from enhancing ICTs, Minister Chamisa said the Government would not lose sight of potential threats. The minister said the sector had been on "auto cruise" without regulation.
"The ICT Bill has been finalised and we want to make sure it passes through Cabinet soon so that it goes to Parliament," said the minister.
He disclosed that he had become vociferous in Cabinet in efforts to ensure that Government breaks the technology divide between Zimbabwe and the world, which is drifting fast into an information age.
"I have become more of a preacher in Cabinet about this, ask Minister (Walter) Mzembi. What I would always say ‘seek ye the kingdom of connectivity and ICT infrastructure development and then everything else will follow’," said Minister Chamisa.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Mzembi expressed hope that the plan would also enhance e-tourism in the country by making sure information and pictures of the country’s exquisite man-made as well as natural attractions are easily accessible.
The World Bank recently said there is positive and direct correlation between growth in gross domestic product and ICT development. Against this background, Zimbabwe intends to become the hub of ICT software development on the continent and the rest of the world.
Senior Government officials, permanent secretaries and the managing director of South Africa ICT company Forge Ahead, Mrs Jane Mosedi, attended the launch.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Golden Sibanda
Quelle/Source: The Herald, 25.02.2010
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