John Ndlovu
Information and Technology Reporter
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe(POTRAZ) has pledged to enhance digitalization in Zimbabwe through its projects which promote universal access to information communication technology.
These revelations were made by Dr.Vengesai Magadzire who is the Deputy Director Economics, Tariffs and Competition of POTRAZ in an exclusive interview with Zim GBC News
Dr Magadzire told this reporter that the telecommunications regulatory authority has made strides in ensuring that they close the digital gap through stretching their initiatives even to remote areas.
“Our authority is promoting universal access to ICT across the country through construction of Community Information Centres in all provinces where marginalized members can access ICT services, creation of the e-learning program which aims at distributing computers and ICT gadgets and providing internet connectivity to schools in Zimbabwe to enhance E-learning activities.”Dr Magadzire said
In Bulawayo’s high density suburb of Nkulumane a Community Information Centre was established in 2017.Residents applauded this initiative which they said was very useful especially for research purposes available at affordable prices.
“This Community information Centre has really played an important role in equipping our children with information as they can use the facility to research online using the computers at subsidized prices as you know computers are expensive so this is very good for our community.”Joseph Ndlovu said
According to Dr.Magadzire a total of 1376 schools around Zimbabwe received internet connectivity in 2021 and 2022 under the the POTRAZ programme in a bid to enhance e-learning and digitization across all works of life in the landlocked country.
The Deputy Director also said that the authority also spreads it’s wings towards ensuring that health and government spaces are also digitalized in order to ensure that these key sectors of the nation meet International standards.
“We also initiated the e-health and e-government initiatives in a bid to bolster technology prowess in those departments which are of key relevance as we have provided internet connectivity to about 1102 health institutions inclusive of rural and marginalized areas in 2021 and 2022. POTRAZ has also availed 160 computers to Ministry of Public, Service, Labour and Social Welfare in a bid to improve governance technologically.”He added.
The internet penetration in Zimbabwe stands at 62.5% despite the fact that data prices are unreachable or expensive for many.