The Zimbabwean government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity, a crucial element for implementing smart solutions across the country. This announcement was made by Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, during the inaugural Smart Zimbabwe Conference and Expo in Harare, themed "Zimbabwe's Smart Future: Harnessing Innovation for Economic Growth."
Minister Mavetera emphasized the government's dedication to improving access to connectivity throughout Zimbabwe, highlighting the recent authorization of low earth orbit satellite technology to complement the existing fiber network. He stated that this infrastructure must be supported by data centers and private clouds to enable local data hosting.
In his address, Mavetera urged both the public and private sectors to collaborate on solutions that promote access to affordable smart devices, stressing the importance of skills and capacity building for effective interaction with smart technologies. As Zimbabwe aims for a smart future, he noted the necessity for the government itself to embrace smart governance through the integration of ICT.
The conference featured key figures such as WestProp Holdings CEO Ken Sharpe, who discussed the need for modernizing cities in light of increasing urban migration. He advocated for data-driven analytics to enhance city management and service delivery through the Internet of Things (IoT).
Additionally, Engineer Tererai Maposa from the Harare Institute of Technology introduced a new software application, the Local Authorities Digital Systems (LADS), aimed at automating operations within local authorities. This innovation aligns with the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, which seeks to establish a smart nation by 2030.
Rufaro Nyadembe, CEO of Zimshop, highlighted the creation of a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions for a Smart Zimbabwe, emphasizing the government's supportive stance towards private sector initiatives.