MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-President Mnangagwa has unveiled a comprehensive National Broadband Plan aimed at closing the digital gap and ensuring universal access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity in Zimbabwe.
Speaking during the launch of the National ICT Policy, the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master-Plan, and the National Broadband Plan in Somabula, Midlands Province on Thursday, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for affordable data prices.
He said digital technologies should extend beyond social media and entertainment, as well as enhancing service delivery in healthcare, education and agriculture among other sectors of the economy.
Adding that the policies aim to promote affordable, fast, and secure digital technologies for communities across the country.
“The national ICT policy outlines the guiding framework and development priorities for the ICT sub-sector.
“It will help promote digital know-how, innovation, the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, while also strengthening our country’s cyber-security measures,” he said.
President Mnangagwa expressed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of a digital economy that empowers communities across Zimbabwe, ensuring that learners and young entrepreneurs have equal opportunities regardless of their location.
The Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master-Plan, according to the President, will foster more creative societies through the use of technology and improve the quality of life for citizens through the application of information and communication technologies.
The head of state and government also emphasized the importance of responsible use of ICTs, stating that they should not be employed to spread hatred, falsehoods, or immoral content.
Instead, they should be used to “protect and promote identity, unity, love, harmony, peace, and development, as well as productivity and production”.
He said government will continue to grant licenses to more service providers to expand broadband infrastructure and network coverage.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa commended the Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS) Group Limited for investing in Zimbabwe.
The company, in partnership with local telecommunications organization Dandemutande, has embarked on a fiber backbone project that utilizes the existing infrastructure of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), which has been upgraded from analogue to digital.
Mnangagwa said the project provides data links and Wi-Fi hotspots at NRZ railway sidings and stations.
The National Broadband Plan, along with the related policies and plans, represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Zimbabwe and paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced society.
