ICT, Postal and Courier Services minister Tatenda Mavetera has urged organisations to improve the digital literacy of their clientelle for the market to accept new disruptive technologies.
“Of all the disruptive technologies artificial intelligence (AI) has taken centre-stage and both the government and private sector need to ensure we derive value from its implementation. Questions like is Zimbabwe ready for AI, the legal aspects of protecting the consumer are being raised and this is where my ministry will rely on input from both government and private sector to advise,” Matevera said, at last week’s Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) annual congress.
“This equally applies to the other technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, the internet of things, data analytics, cybersecurity and cloud computing. The low levels of digital literacy of our end users of technology across the board are an area of concern.
“it is very well for organisations to implement all these disruptive technologies, however, if the end user of the technology has not been upskilled to apply the systems, the value addition expected by both the business and government will not be realised.”
A recent World Bank study has established that a 10% increase in broadband penetration in developing countries could result in a 1,4% growth in a nation’s gross domestic product.
The advantages of adopting disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence can lead to increased broadband usage due to the how these newer systems can ease the operations of an organisation.
However, Zimbabwe’s high cost structure amid a depreciating local currency remains a major constraint to improving digital literacy.
According to the ministry, there are successful case studies from across Africa whereby governments have committed to training their end users through applying such products as international computer driving licence being offered by CSZ.
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“My ministry appreciates this as we stand to benefit since CSZ plays the advisory role to us as we continue to work closely with CSZ on most ICT initiatives. CSZ continues to participate in the national ICT policy framework formulation and reviews,” Matevera added.
Speaking at the same event, the Office of the President and Cabinet eGovernment Technology Unit secretary Tafara Matekaire said the implementation of an e-government required non-technical components like political will.
He noted that this needed to be accompanied by supporting legal and regulatory frameworks to govern its conduct.
“The transition to a digital Government requires non-technical foundational elements to guide and anchor the implementation which are: strong political will and support; supportive legal and regulatory frameworks to govern conduct and practice; rethinking, redesign and a departure from the culture of bureaucratic entrenchment premised on fear of losing control; change management and leadership to engage stakeholders, drive the digital transformation agenda and addressing issues of resistance,” he said.
Matekaire believes the transition also needed the “standardisation of ICT acquisition, development, and implementation, based on open standards to allow for extendibility and integration; mutually beneficial relationships through service level agreements and effective contract management between the Government and ICT suppliers”.
He indicated that government has prioritised digitalisation of the service delivery system and leverage data analysis to improve policymaking, decision-making and drive efficiency in the e-government infrastructure.
“The strategic emphasis and direction that the government has taken to drive and accelerate digital transformation efforts encompass key areas and priorities such as digital service delivery to citizens through convenient and accessible user-friendly online portals, mobile applications and other digital platforms; leveraging data and analytics to improve policy formulation, decision making and driving efficiency in public administration,” Matekaire said.
