Mnangagwa commitments to a thriving e-society

President Mnangagwa has today launched the country's National ICT Policy and the Zimbabwe ICT Innovation Drive.

The President said the policy seeks to enhance the use of ICTs by all sectors and Government arms while transforming the economy in the new dispensation.

"This ICT Policy will provide strategic direction and guidance through systematic and coordinated ICT networks as we thrive to resuscitate our economy," said President Mnangagwa

Mnangagwa pledged his government's commitment towards establishing a thriving economy and an e-society whose main pillar is new technology.

Mnangagwa said information communication technology (ICT) is the in thing in the future, and forms the basis for the transformation of the Zimbabwean economy.

"The ICT sector is a key priority of my government, it must be viewed as an economic enabler. This ICT policy should form the basis for the promotion of e-commerce, e-governance and the strengthening network security. ICTs are also critical in the education sector, research and innovation," he said.

Mnangagwa also said his government has started implementing e-governance.

"My government has already started establishing an e-government system powered by latest technologies in a bid to improve efficiency in the public service. E-governance smoothens interaction within the entire govt machinery and helps in the eradication of corruption through automated systems," said Mnangagwa, adding that government departments must transform their websites to make them more interactive.

Mnangagwa added that the ICT policy is both technological and service neutral and it has mechanisms to ensure that it remains relevant for the next decade.

The policy is expected to contribute towards job creation and address the digital divide between those in the rural areas and their counterparts in towns.