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In a clear sign of commitment to upscaling digital penetration and inclusion, Harare Province has been blessed with 10 community information centres (CICs) commissioned today.
The initiative is in sync with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) that emphasises the Digital Economy as one of the fourteen national priorities for the period 2021 – 2025.
This economic blueprint, which provides a roadmap in the journey “Towards a prosperous and empowered Upper-Middle Income society by 2030”, is anchored on a digitally enabled economy as the National Key Results Area for outcomes leading to improved access and usage of ICTs.
“The inclusion of the digital economy in this important economic blueprint bears testimony to our commitment as government, to take advantage of ICTs and other emerging technologies to transform the lives of the general populace in our country.
“I am, therefore, excited to be officiating at this grand occasion where we are launching Community Information Centres in Harare Province. This is indeed an important milestone as it complements the Government’s efforts towards the attainment of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) and of course – Vision 2030,” Hon Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology(ICT), Postal, and Courier Services said.
With the launch of Community Information Centres in Harare Province, Government reaffirmed its commitment to the attainment of a digital economy and a knowledge society for all Zimbabweans. Access to ICTs and effective participation in the digital economy remains critical in improving the quality of life for all the people of Zimbabwe – those in cities and towns and those in rural areas alike.
On his part, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) said the launch of CICs in Harare Province dispels allegations that POTRAZ only focuses on rural areas – leaving urban communities behind.
“While I admit that we are more visible in rural areas due to the existing rural-urban divide, we are cognisant of the need for Internet access and use programs in cities and towns too, hence the setting up of CICs in Harare and other urban parts of the country as we promote inclusivity and equality.
“This is because the importance of CICs to everyone in the country cannot be understated. CICs enable communities to access the Internet and participate in the digital economy. CICs also promote Human Capital Development and Innovation through free computer skills training as well as research that is conducted at these centres. Furthermore, CICs are a source of economic emancipation as community members including women and youth get to use the Internet to market their products and services, which enhances their capacity to do business,” Dr. Machengete said.
He revealed that to date, a total of 170 CICs have been established countrywide and an additional 32 are under construction and will open their doors to the public next year. Since Internet surfing is free of charge at all CICs, he encouraged everyone to visit their nearest CIC every now and again and make full use of the facilities.
The IT guru said if used irresponsibly, ICTs can bring more harm than good to society. In this regard, as the Authority responsible for Data Protection, POTRAZ is rolling out programs aimed at ensuring that risks associated with Internet use are mitigated.
Amby, Causeway, Mt Pleasant, Emerald Hill, Mabelreign, Belvedere, Kambuzuma, Highfields, Glen Norah, and Glenview Community Information Centres were launched today in Harare.