Zimbabwe reviews ICT standards to boost digitalisation

\The Government has undertaken a comprehensive review of ICT specification standards to accelerate digitalisation across public sector institutions, ensuring they stay current with evolving technology and promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable development.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Human Resources, Zvinechimwe Churu, announced the initiative during a government ICT standards review workshop held last week in Kariba. He highlighted that the review aims not only to modernise systems but also to guarantee cost efficiency and the prudent use of public funds.

However, connectivity challenges remain a major obstacle to the successful implementation of e-government services within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Secretary for the e-Government Technology Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Tafara Matekaire, emphasized that robust and reliable connectivity is vital for the success of e-government services.

"We need to ensure that our infrastructure supports seamless data exchange and coordination among government agencies," he said.

"By embracing digital transformation, we can enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. This is a critical step towards achieving our national development goals."

Kariba District Development Coordinator, Desmond Anele Gumbochuma, also weighed in on the workshop, stressing the importance of standardising ICT specifications.

"Standardising ICT specifications will enable us to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. This is particularly important for our rural communities, where access to government services can be limited," Gumbochuma said.

The government's efforts to upgrade ICT standards and infrastructure represent a significant move towards modernising public service delivery and ensuring that all Zimbabweans benefit from advances in digital technology.