NEW: Govt determined to attain digital economy

20 Aug, 2022 - 15:08 0 Views
NEW: Govt determined to attain digital economy

The Sunday Mail

Online Reporter

GOVERNMENT remains determined to attain a digital economy and knowledge society, a Cabinet Minister has said.

In his keynote address at the launch of computer laboratories at five schools and two ICT kiosks in Mudzi and Mutoko in Mashonaland East Province on Thursday, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Government will continue to provide an enabling environment for growing the ICT sector by deploying infrastructure in schools and Public Finance Management System (PFMS) kiosks in rural areas.

“From a policy perspective, it is Government’s wish for all citizens of Zimbabwe to have access to internet and digital connectivity, including the rural and low-income communities,” said Dr Muswere.

“I want to assure you that as Government, we will never tire in our unrelenting efforts to ensure that our schools are equipped with requisite ICT equipment and also our district Government offices have PFMS kiosks for ease of transacting Government business.”

The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, has changed the way people conduct daily businesses and processes.

“The challenges brought about by the pandemic have amplified the call for universal access to ICTs and use of digitally-based platforms.

“The world has come to the realisation of the pivotal role ICTs and the digital economy drive to connect all people of the world virtually.

“It is now critical to bridge the digital divide between people who still remain off-line worldwide and in our beloved nation of Zimbabwe.”

Minister Muswere said access to ICTs and effective participation in the digital economy is critical in improving the quality of life for all the citizens.

He reiterated the role played by ICTs in Zimbabwe’s quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusivity, sustainable industrialisation and innovation.

The digital economy is considered one of the 14 national priorities underpinning the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), as the country aims to achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

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