Africa’s focus on digital infrastructure development is crucial for fostering economic growth, bridging the digital divide, and positioning the continent to compete globally. Investments in these technologies are pivotal as they address long-standing challenges while unlocking new opportunities in various sectors.
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in developing its digital infrastructure through strategic investments in information and communications technologies (ICT), according to Minister of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera. Speaking at the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation Week held from December 9-13, Mavetera emphasized the country’s achievements in mobile connectivity and emerging technologies.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), showcased the nation’s commitment to digital transformation.
Mavetera highlighted Zimbabwe’s mobile penetration rate, which has surpassed 96 percent, and its internet penetration of 78.55 percent as evidence of the impact of prioritizing digital infrastructure. She described artificial intelligence as a game changer with the potential to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock economic opportunities.
The minister stressed that robust digital infrastructure is critical for supporting emerging technologies, fostering creativity, and enabling entrepreneurship. She noted that improved infrastructure has already facilitated significant developments, such as the introduction of e-learning platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed schools to continue operating remotely. Other advancements include the increasing use of ride-hailing services, mobile money platforms, and telehealth initiatives, all of which are improving access to essential services.
Mavetera also underscored Zimbabwe’s adoption of smart agriculture, which provides real-time weather updates to enhance farming productivity and profitability. Additionally, the government has introduced e-government portals, e-procurement systems, and an electronic case management platform under the Ministry of Justice to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The World Bank's Digital Economy for Zimbabwe Country Diagnostic Report 2021 further underscores the nation’s progress. It notes that 96 percent of transactions in Zimbabwe are conducted through digital payment systems and that the country’s digital infrastructure is well-developed and expanding. However, the report emphasizes that addressing regulatory bottlenecks is crucial to sustaining this growth and meeting the increasing demand for digital services.
Zimbabwe’s push for digital transformation is aligned with its National Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the nation to an upper-middle-income society by 2030. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital advancements to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of a digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
