Dr Beullah Chirume
By Tendai Chisiri
Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier services permanent secretary Dr Beullah Chirume lauds the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) and the International Technology Union (ITU) for jointly collaborating to hold a three-day multi stakeholder workshop to come out with strategies and recommendations for accelerating digital transformation in Zimbabwe.
The official opening of the three day event was held at a capital hotel on Wednesday morning before the beginning of the workshop with permanent secretary Dr Beullah Chirume giving the key note address.
“Your presence reflects our collective commitment to embrace the power of technology and innovation to drive our nation forward”, she said.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of fostering an innovation ecosystem cannot be overstated. Innovation is the key to unlocking the potential of our contemporary economy, solving our various socio-economic issues, propelling economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and ultimately improving the quality of life for every citizen of Zimbabwe”, she added.
” I understand that this Digital Innovation Profile, when ready, will be able to provide an accurate assessment of our country’s ecosystem capacity and maturity to help the stakeholders navigate through the innovation landscape towards building a competitive, sustainable, ICT-enabled economy”.
Zimbabwe has its eyes set on Vision 2030, which aims to drive its people towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030, with Job Opportunities and a High Quality of Life.
The key aspirations of this vision will be realized through five strategic pillars of Governance, Macro-economic Stability & Financial Re-engagement, Inclusive Growth, Infrastructure and Utilities and Social Development.
She also said to fully embrace the transformative power of innovation, collaboration is paramount.” It is only through the combined efforts of the government, private sector, academia, financial institutions, innovators and the civil society that we can create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable innovation and growth”.
Our collective knowledge, expertise, and resources must be harnessed to overcome the challenges we face and maximize the opportunities that lie ahead”, Dr Chirume said.
POTRAZ acting director Alfred Marisa in his opening remarks at the workshop said it was befitting for the event to be held.
“We are living in unprecedented times of Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning, where machines are now developing human like feelings to the extent of falling in love with humans. We are living in times where virtual reality allows us to visit museums and art galleries in Switzerland, France and Malta while in Zimbabwe.
“We are living in an era of Internet of Things where everything is connected. We are in a world of Big Data where our online activities influence major business and political decisions. We are in a time where data is the most sought after and most used commodity. We are living in a digital world”, he said.
“In such a world where all facets of the economy and all aspects of humanity are driven and governed by ICTs, the only way to survive is to innovate in order to be at par with the rapid technological changes associated with this new world order”, he added.
He implored that Innovation should, however, make sense. “Innovation should not be done in jest, lest it be useless. Rather innovation should be purposeful, targeting to solve specific problems.
“For regulators like POTRAZ, our job is to facilitate such meaningful innovation. Our job is to ensure we have the right regulatory framework, a conducive ecosystem and environment for purposeful innovation”.
“The Digital Innovation Profiling exercise we are undertaking will assist the country in formulating an appropriate policy framework and strategies to promote digital innovation”, Marisa said.
He addded that it will provide guidance on creating an enabling environment for innovation, ensuring fair competition, protecting consumer rights, and fostering investment in digital infrastructure.
“This will help us establish a solid foundation for digital growth and development by providing the much-needed policy and regulatory guidance in the digital innovation ecosystem”, he said.
Anne Rita Ssembonga, ITU Southern Africa represantive in her speech chronologed the birth of ITU and its importance need in an effort to bridge the digital divide. She also emulated Zimbabwe for being engaged in accelerating digital transformation.
ITU representatives were also present at the official opening of the workshop
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