Govt-private sector collaboration key to Zim’s digital transformation
CLOUDINE MATOLA / SAMANTHA MADE / ROBIN PHIRI
The Government of Zimbabwe has emphasised the need for collaboration between the administration and private sector to drive the country’s digital transformation and create a digitally inclusive nation, Business Times can reports.
Speaking at the Business Times 2025 Annual Telecommunications Conference in Harare on Thursday, Deputy Minister of ICT, Courier, and Postal Services Dingumuzi Phuti stressed the importance of embracing innovation, investing in digitalisation, and fostering partnerships to build a technologically advanced Zimbabwe.
“The success of Zimbabwe’s digital transformation depends on collaborations between the government, private sector players, academia, and international partners. This conference provides a valuable opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions that will position Zimbabwe as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Phuti said.
He urged stakeholders to leverage emerging technologies to create a globally competitive, sustainable, and digitally inclusive Zimbabwe.
“Let us embrace innovation, invest in our digital future, and work together to build a Zimbabwe that is not only connected but also technologically advanced. Through this platform, we must deliberate on actionable strategies that will not only advance Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector but also contribute meaningfully to our socio-economic development. Together, we can harness the power of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to shape the future,” he added.
Phuti highlighted that ICTs are a driving force in today’s world and that collaboration is essential for maximizing their potential. “ICTs thrive when we collaborate—not when we compete but when we enhance each other’s strengths,” he noted.
He also underscored how advanced technology can accelerate national development and improve connectivity across the country.
“The rapid evolution of 5G, augmented reality (AR), and IoT presents an unprecedented opportunity to fast-track our national development agenda. These technologies have the potential to bridge the digital divide by enhancing connectivity for unserved and underserved communities, ensuring inclusivity in education, healthcare, and economic participation,” Phuti said.
He further called for AI-driven network management to optimize telecommunications infrastructure, improve service delivery, and enhance customer experiences.
“We must facilitate IoT-powered solutions in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and transport, promoting real-time data analytics for improved decision-making. Additionally, aligning technological growth with ESG principles will ensure that our infrastructure development is both sustainable and equitable,” he emphasised.
AB Communications Board Chairperson Belinda Muswaka echoed the need for collaboration in the telecommunications sector, stating that partnerships are essential for growth.
“We believe that collaboration is the new competition, and we hope today provides an opportunity to establish new partnerships or strengthen existing ones. It is against this background that AB Communications sponsors this annual conference—to create a platform where we can discuss Zimbabwe’s telecommunications issues as a nation. While we engage globally on telecom matters, we identified a gap where we needed to address our own challenges as Zimbabweans. Telecommunications play a crucial role in communication and national development,” Muswaka said.
The conference underscored the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to drive Zimbabwe’s digital future, ensuring a robust, inclusive, and globally competitive ICT sector.
