By Wallace Mawire
The Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU),John Omo has hailed the progress Zimbabwe is making in its Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector in virtual remarks made from Kenya as part of the ATU ICT Day Conference and Tech Expo commemoration initiative organized by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authourity of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in Harare on 11 December,2024 under the theme:Accelerating AI Adoption in Africa Through policy and Innovation For Sustainable Development.
The Deputy Minister of ICT,Postal and Courier Services Dingimuzi phuti represented the Minister of the same Ministry,Dr Tatenda Mavetera at the same event.
Omo said that the African Telecommunications/ICT Day is a significant occasion for commemorating the founding of the Union and celebrating the collective achievements in advancing digital connectivity across the African continent.
‘I am particularly delighted by Zimbabwe’s unique approach in organizing this event in such an exemplary manner,’Omo said.
Omo said that at this year’s ATU Day main event on 6th December 2024, policymakers and regulators in the telecommunications and ICT sector convened virtually to examine Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape, focusing on national AI policies, digital infrastructure and capacity and skills development.
He said that at the virtual African meeting,it was noted that Africa’s current 2.5% share of the global AI market highlights a significant challenge.
According to Omo, while the potential of AI to advance the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is undeniable, it is concerning that Africa lags in AI adoption compared to other regions.
He said that research shows that 63% of African AI start-ups stagnate at early developmental stages due to inadequate funding and incubation support.
The absence of national AI policies in many African countries has been identified as a key barrier, aggravating existing challenges of digital infrastructure, affordability and skills gap.
Omo said that ATU applauds Zimbabwe for setting up the National ICT Policy, the National Broadband Plan and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in March 2024.
He said that if effectively implemented, the policies will significantly promote the adoption of advanced technologies, address issues of cybersecurity and data protection and enhance digital innovation and service delivery.
Omo said that he further applauded Zimbabwe government’s far-sightedness in developing the ‘Zim Cyber City,’ an outstanding model of a smart city that utilizes advanced ICT technologies.
‘This initiative shows us the immense potential unlocked through effective collaboration between government and the private sector. The city will leverage advanced technologies to enhance security surveillance, smart mobility, waste management and general efficiency. There is no gainsaying that the smart city will have a huge impact on job creation and economic growth, directly benefiting the people of Zimbabwe,’Omo said.
According to Omo, drawing from lessons from the African region and the world, they learn that a lot can be achieved through multilateral collaboration and cooperation.
He said that accelerating AI adoption requires collective efforts.
‘It has never been a one-man or organization show. We have to create an environment that attracts private sector investment into the AI space and promote capacity development and participation of young people in digital innovation and economic development,’he said.
He emphasized on focusing on the youthful population because since it is one of the most valuable assets the continent has.
Omo said that with an estimated 62% of Zimbabwe’s population being under 25 and a national literacy rate of 93.7%, Zimbabwe’s young people can make immense contributions, creating and accessing digital opportunities and businesses, expanding the digital economy and ridding families and communities of poverty and systemic socioeconomic challenges.
He said that he was pleased that Zimbabwe has made great progress and that the AI Policy Framework had been finalized.
He also encouraged the country to hasten the adoption and implementation of the policy framework to provide the necessary innovation support and to safeguard property rights, while also ensuring ethical, human rights and safety issues are adequately addressed.
‘Let us ensure that our AI policies empower the youth and address the needs of minority groups who are often disproportionately disadvantaged. Encouraged by the visionary direction of the African Union’s continental frameworks such as the African Continental AI Strategy and AI for Sustainable Youth Development in Africa, let us put our heads together and ensure continent-wide coordination and cooperation,’Omo said.
He has also assured Zimbabwe of ATU’s support and goodwill saying that the organinization is always honoured to heed the call, appreciating that the contribution to the advancement of Zimbabwe’s ICTs is part and parcel of the obligation to the continent.
Omo added that Zimbabwe’s consistent celebration of ATU Day serves as a good example of Africa’s enthusiasm, inspiring other ATU Member States to organize commemorative activities and highlighting both the country’s and the continent’s achievements in digital connectivity.
