Zim, India signs MOU to pave way for e-govt education programme

Zimbabwe and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of an e-government education programme which is being spearheaded by the Office of the President and Cabinet, ZBC News reported on Wednesday.

The signing of the MOU between Zimbabwe and India will pave way for the implementation of an e-computer education programme code named the "Hole in the Wall project".

Speaking after signing the MOU, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Jeitendra Tripathi said the project which has been successfully implemented in rural India and other African countries will be instrumental in spreading computer literacy among disadvantaged children and youths using information and communication technologies.

"The MOU is also indicative of existing good relations between the two governments and further expansion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the area of computer aided education for the youths," said Mr. Tripathi.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Misheck Sibanda said the MOU resonates well with the e-government programme which the Office of the President and Cabinet is currently spearheading as part of the modernisation of government systems and operations in pursuit of improved services.

"The office of the President seeks to achieve computer literacy among all Zimbabweans and is pleased to enter into partnership with global friends like India who have taken the lead in the area of information communication technology," Dr Sibanda said.

To mark the pilot phase of the project "Hole in the Wall", learning stations will be established in Harare, Bulawayo and Manicaland provinces within the context of the broader e-government programme.

President Mugabe has been at the forefront of spearheading increased computer literacy in the country through the schools computerisation programme.

Meanwhile, relations between Zimbabwe and Indonesia are set to scale new heights, especially in the business sector with an exchange programme set to bring business opportunities for both countries.

The business exchange programme set for next month is going to see 40 business women travelling to Indonesia to explore business opportunities.

This was revealed by Indonesian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Eddie Poerwana at an occasion in Harare to mark Indonesia National Day.

Ambassador Poerwana said in return a delegation from Indonesia is going to come to Zimbabwe to explore areas of cooperation, especially in mining.

Trade relations between Zimbabwe and Indonesia have been on a slow pace and local business people have been urged to take up vast opportunities in the Asian country.