The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
African countries need to embrace partnerships with global information and communication technology (ICT) giants to tap into the global digital space that is now influencing economic activity, a local ICT player has said.
Speaking on how the power of partnerships will help Africa narrow the digital divide and leapfrog development, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe regional chief commercial officer Mr Hemilton Manika said African countries needed to join a global economy that is driven by digital technology and internet connectivity.
In Zimbabwe, internet penetration stands at 34,4 percent, which leaves two-thirds of the population unable to access a new, digitally-driven economy.
At continental level, internet penetration is sitting at 18 percent.
“That is a staggering roadblock. It’s clear that access is a monumental African problem. Yet, with lack of access comes lack of skills, so now we have two issues standing in the way of Africa’s economic liberation.
“To increase our access, and grow our skills, we need to realise that now is the right time to raise our hands and ask for help, not only from each other, but from all players who are willing to engage,” he said.
Mr Manika said through partnerships with organisations like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Cisco and many others, the region can sufficiently multiply access to solutions and skills transfer that can improve competitiveness of the region on the global scene.
He added: “As technology becomes more prolific, it also becomes more intrinsic in everything we do as people and as organisations. As such, there is no organisation which will be able to exist in isolation.
“We need connectivity infrastructure, which needs hardware manufacturers, which in turn needs software solution providers.”
It is believed that public and private sector collaboration can also help close the digital divide.
In Zimbabwe, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has worked with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to connect 112 Communication Information Centres (CICs) in all the country’s 10 provinces.
The project, which is still ongoing, will see an additional 100 sites being added.
“We also helped provide 52 educational zones (EduZones) which provide free internet access for students in tertiary institutions. Together with Higher Life Foundation, we also gave internet to over 168 schools and children’s homes,” said Mr Manika.
