By Tendai Chisiri
Speakers at the press conference
In speech at the press conference of a two-day Digital Innovation Profile Co-Creation Feedback Workshop, POTRAZ director general says the Innovation Acceleration Centre to be set in Zimbabwe is a result of the Digital Innovation Profiling (DIP) exercise.
Speaking on behalf of POTRAZ director general, deputy director general Alfred Marisa said innovation is at the very core of our development and transformation agenda as a nation and if we are to consider the dangers of technology, then innovation is also at the very core of our existence as humanity.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the fast-paced nature of technology… It is the propensity not to be left behind… It is the desire to protect ourselves from technology, that as a nation we have roll up our sleeves and put shoulder on the deck in terms of improving our innovation ecosystem”, Marisa.
“This comes from our conviction that the only way to survive in such a world of unprecedented technological advancements, is to innovate and be at par with the rest of the world, technologically”, he added.
” Today we transite from a state of darkness to a state of light. Today we get to know and understand our digital landscape as a country following a digital innovation profiling exercise which conducted by the ITU and POTRAZ earlier in the year”, he revealed.
This is indeed a milestone because for any meaningful transformation to occur, one needs to understand the current state of affairs. This is in line with one of the cardinal principles of strategy which says: You need to know where you are coming from and where you are in order to know where you are going.
“Our concerted efforts within the Digital Innovation Profile (DIP) project, in partnership the ITU are testimony of POTRAZ’s commitment to nurturing an innovation-centric ecosystem, poised for sustainability and growth”, Marisa stated.
He went on to say the workshop is about to share the insights learnt from the Digital Innovation Profiling exercise, and formulate strategies going forward. ” Let us remember that the journey is a cycle as there shall be constant changes in the country’s innovation ecosystem, hence the need to constantly profile it and constantly improve it”, he implored.
He announced the setting up of the Innovation Acceleration Centre in Zimbabwe, which is a significant milestone culminating from the initial profiling exercise and aimed at enhancing the country’s systems and innovation outputs.
The Innovation Acceleration centre places the country on the global map as a forerunner in harnessing technology for socio-economic advancement. This Centre is envisaged to be a hub of technological advancement and entrepreneurship, made possible by the generous sponsorship and international recognition bestowed upon us by the ITU, following the Digital Innovation Profiling exercise.
Speaking on behalf of Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services permanent secretary Dr Beullah Chirume, chief engineer and personal assistant Leornard Jukwa said the DIP project, is a collaboration between POTRAZ and the ITU, and is an evaluative and developmental initiative that seeks to harness and enhance Zimbabwe’s capacity for digital innovation. Launched virtually in November 2022. It has engaged various stakeholders through one-on-one interviews and a co-creation workshop in June 2023. This engagement aims to assess the current state and potential of our digital innovation ecosystem, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth.
“In November, the focus will shift to consolidating the insights gained thus far. Through a series of workshops, we will refine our strategies and outline concrete action plans. The workshops will also involve testing the Centre Design Playbook, a crucial step toward establishing the National Innovation Acceleration Centre” Jukwa revealed.
“One of the primary goals of the DIP is to build a basis for significant economic impact. We envision fostering an innovative climate that boosts economic growth and attracts foreign investment. By creating an environment that nurtures digital innovation, we can unlock new business opportunities, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity for all Zimbabweans”, Jukwa said.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to leveraging ICT for development across all sectors of the economy. “We recognize that technology has the power to transform industries, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we will harness the potential of ICT to drive sustainable development and address societal challenges. This is the reason we are embracing this initiative to have a national DIP that informs policy and decision making”, he said.
“Digital literacy and skills are essential in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that our workforce is prepared for the digital age. The Ministry is deeply committed to investing in education and skill development, as outlined in our strategic plan. By equipping our citizens with the necessary digital skills, we empower them to participate fully in the digital economy and seize the opportunities it presents”.
“nnovation funding plays a critical role in supporting the growth of innovative projects and start-ups. The Ministry recognizes its responsibility in facilitating funding and resources for these initiatives. We acknowledge the Innovation Drive, managed under the Universal Service Fund, as a platform that provides support and capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators”, he added.
To create a thriving digital ecosystem, the ministry have implemented policies and regulatory frameworks that safeguard stakeholder interests. The Data Protection Act (Ch. 11:12), the review of the National ICT Policy, and the establishment of the Data Protection Authority and Computer Incidence Response Team (CIRT) are testament to its commitment to regulating the digital space and ensuring data protection.
International collaboration is vital in today’s interconnected world. Zimbabwe, through the Ministry and its agencies, actively engages in multifaceted collaborations with international organizations such as the ITU. This collaboration serves as a testimony to our commitment to global standards and cooperation in the digital realm.
The vision for Zimbabwe extends beyond catching up with the developed world. Zimbawe aim to lead in digital trends and be at the forefront of innovation. To achieve this, they dopt proactive measures such as strategic foresight and consultative policy reviews. By embracing emerging technologies and anticipating future challenges, Zimbawe can an future-proof the nation and position themselves as leaders in the digital era.
“In conclusion, the Digital Innovation Profile in Zimbabwe is a significant milestone in our journey towards an inclusive and digitally empowered society. By aligning our efforts, fostering collaboration, investing in digital literacy, supporting innovation funding, implementing sound policies, and celebrating local innovators, we can create a future where technology drives our nation’s growth and prosperity”, he said.
The two-day workshop was also attended by hhe head of the Innovation Division at the ITU, Mr Ba Mohamed and Ecosystem Builder and Digital Innovation expert at the ITU, Mr Udita Chaturvedi.
Zimbabwe is among the six countries in Africa going to have the Innovation Acceleration Center and the seventeenth in the world.
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