While many African nations are developing dynamic ICT policies and strategies to foster digital transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation, Zimbabwe’s ICT sector is struggling significantly. This stagnation can be traced back to the leadership under the current Minister of ICT, Tatenda Mavetera. Since her appointment, there has been little to no meaningful progress in the sector, raising concerns about her ability to effectively manage the ministry. One of her key responsibilities is to cultivate a thriving ICT sector that contributes positively to the national economy, yet this goal remains unfulfilled.
Currently, several African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, are making significant strides in developing their national Artificial Intelligence strategies and policy frameworks. In contrast, Zimbabwe appears to be lagging behind, with little to show for its efforts. The Minister of ICT seems preoccupied with campaigning for the upcoming election, rather than engaging in international and regional events, such as the 2025 Paris AI Action Summit. One of her essential responsibilities is to foster and maintain international connections to facilitate the timely adoption of new ICT developments in the country. However, her absence from these critical platforms raises questions about how she can fulfill this role effectively.
Recently, Kenya announced the establishment of its first-ever Center of Excellence Digital Innovation Hub. This initiative is part of a larger national strategy to create 100 Centers of Excellence throughout the country, positioning Kenya as a leader in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. By equipping Kenyans with advanced digital skills, these hubs are set to generate thousands of job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and promote a culture of innovation and digital empowerment nationwide.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). The alliance aims to promote collaboration in the development and implementation of broadband, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the global digital economy. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy conveyed this project’s details in an extensive report shared on his LinkedIn profile. He emphasized the Ministry’s focus on connectivity as a significant aspect of fortifying Nigeria’s digital economy, as highlighted by its strategic blueprint’s infrastructure pillar.
In Rwanda, the government, in collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL), the Capital Market Authority (CMA), and Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), has launched a five-year FinTech strategy (2024-2029). This initiative aims to transform Rwanda into a regional hub for financial services and enhance financial inclusion. The strategy focuses on developing a vibrant FinTech ecosystem that leverages technology to drive economic growth, aligning with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) 2017-2024. Through this comprehensive roadmap, Rwanda seeks to foster an environment conducive to FinTech innovation, driving economic transformation and establishing itself as a key player in Africa’s financial landscape.
Additionally, the Government of Rwanda, along with Africa50 and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), has officially commenced construction on Kigali Innovation City (KIC). This landmark smart city project aims to become “The Digital Heart of Africa,” driving billion-dollar enterprises across the continent. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate $2 billion in economic value, $150 million annually in ICT exports, and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment (FDI). KIC exemplifies how digital transformation can enhance economic diversification and productivity, as evidenced by the digital sector’s rapid growth in GDP contribution compared to manufacturing in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT & Innovation, emphasized Rwanda’s long-standing commitment to technology, stating;
Over 24 years ago, Rwanda made a deliberate decision to place technology at the forefront of our initiatives, and our policies have been designed to support that vision. This includes fostering public-private partnerships that attract global partners for large-scale infrastructure projects, building institutions to attract top talent, and establishing Rwanda as a proof-of-concept innovation hub for solutions to regional and global challenges. The KIC is a continuation of this journey.
Rwanda also established an Innovation Fund focused on investing in tech-enabled startups that can generate substantial social and economic impact while providing high financial returns for investors. The Fund’s investment strategy and screening process are designed to identify and support only the most promising startups. It aims to foster the growth and development of innovative businesses that are set to disrupt traditional markets and stimulate economic growth in Rwanda and throughout Africa.
Zimbabwe is working to improve its mobile and internet connectivity as part of its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) objectives, aiming to boost internet penetration from 59.1 percent in 2020 to 75.42 percent by 2025. Although the country has achieved a commendable 73.3 percent internet penetration and a 97.5 percent mobile penetration rate, it still faces significant challenges in expanding access. Mobile Network Operators encounter various obstacles, including limited upstream internet bandwidth, high taxes on ICT infrastructure and devices, licensing fees, power outages, security issues, network maintenance, and staffing shortages.
To tackle these challenges, it is essential to reduce taxes on imported ICT devices and provide subsidies to industry stakeholders to ease their financial burdens. Implementing tax rebates could significantly benefit operators by lowering their operational costs, allowing them to invest more in infrastructure and services. Such investments could improve network coverage and reliability in remote areas, thereby fostering digital inclusion. These are vital discussions that the Ministry should be engaging in with industry players; however, this engagement is currently lacking, which places a considerable strain on the sector. One of the Ministry’s key functions is to lead the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that promote information communication technology, telecommunications, postal, and courier services.
In November of last year, Minister Tatenda Mavetera addressed the audience at the 2024 Zimbabwe ICT Excellence Awards, where she emphasized the transformative power of technology in reshaping Zimbabwe’s economy. She highlighted that the adoption of technology could significantly foster innovation, enhance efficiency, and boost productivity across various sectors. However, it is crucial that these insightful words translate into tangible actions. The time for rhetoric has passed; what is needed now is a concerted effort to create an environment that actively promotes entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth.
By implementing policies and initiatives that support young entrepreneurs, the government can harness their creativity and drive, ultimately leading to a more dynamic and resilient economy. This includes providing access to funding, mentorship programs, and training opportunities that equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven landscape. It is imperative that the Ministry takes decisive steps to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that the potential of technology is fully realized in driving economic growth and development in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, while Zimbabwe has the potential to harness technology for economic transformation, the current stagnation in its ICT sector calls for immediate and decisive action. The government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital landscape must go beyond mere rhetoric; it requires the implementation of strategic policies that support entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth. By reducing taxes on ICT devices, providing subsidies, and facilitating access to funding and training, Zimbabwe can create an environment conducive to innovation and growth. It is essential for the Ministry of ICT to engage actively with industry stakeholders and prioritize the development of regulatory frameworks that promote digital inclusion. Only through collaborative efforts and a proactive approach can Zimbabwe hope to catch up with its African counterparts and realize the full potential of its ICT sector
