Information On The Ministry Of ICT

1. MISSION
To transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge based society so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the world in order to stimulate and sustain economic growth through the systematic application and innovative use of ICT.

2. Expected Functions of the Ministry
1. To develop extensive ICT supportive infrastructure to ensure equitable access to ICT by all citizens including disadvantaged groups and rural communities.
2. To develop appropriate policies and strategies that enhance provision of ICT innovation.
3. To spearhead the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that facilitates the promotion of ICTs.
4. To champion and promote ICT literacy and utilization in the country in order to enhance regional and international competitiveness as a nation.
5. To promote and coordinate national ICT research and development of software application and appropriate hardware that are benchmarked on the best international standards and practices.
6. To introduce and enforce stringent quality of service standards in the provision of ICTs.
7. To create a conducive environment that attracts investment in the areas of ICTs through public private partnerships.
8. To provide awareness, publicity and advocacy for ICT consciousness and support across all sectors.

Selected KEY Activities of the Ministry
Level 1
a) Development and management of a nationwide infrastructure that is comprehensive, expansive and reliable.
b) Establishment of a vibrant ICT sector that is mainstreamed and contributes significantly to the national GDP.
c) Promoting Research & Development (R&D), production of ICT Products and services.
d) Mobilisation of resources and establishment of smart partnerships for ICTs development programmes.
e) Establishing relevant ICT Policies and a comprehensive regulatory framework.
f) Promoting ICT literacy, awareness and advocacy.
g) Development and maintenance of national ICT applications.

Level 2 (not responsibility of MICT but critical)
i) Ensure the expansion and availability of reliable energy sources for ICT equipment.
ii) Advocate for a reduction in customs and excise duty on ICT products.
iii) Advocate for mandatory inclusion of ICTs in the curricular for all levels of education and training programmes.


3. Strength of the Ministry
The Ministry cannot function as an island but depends on strong private sector support that is innovative and resilient. It goes without say that the role of Central Government is not to actually propagate the day to day running of
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a) the ICT private sector in terms of activity areas, e.g software development ICT products marketing, ICT innovation, web application development, ICT eqpt maintenance and development, ICT services provision (communication), and any other focus areas and direction

b) Comment on the advantages of having a new ministry devoted to ICTs in the country and a brief about your expectations.