By Vimbai Malinganiza
DIGITAL technology advancement has proven to help enhance economic growth and development in several countries globally. Zimbabwe, as it strives towards achieving Vision 2030 under the astute leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the chairman of SADC, is investing millions in the innovation of technology to leverage the advantages of digitisation.
Macroeconomic factors, poor infrastructure, irregular power supply, regulatory challenges and high internet costs, among others, are some of the obstacles Zimbabwe is facing, leading to low technological advancement. However, the Government is taking measures to develop and amend ICT policies as well as mobilising financial and non-financial resources to boost the digital space which is essential in the growth of country’s economy.
Digital empowerment is essential for Zimbabwe because it can contribute to positive development.
Digital technologies lead to the advancement of digital economies, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation, among other positives.
By embracing digital technologies, Zimbabwe attracts investment, enhances productivity and diversifies its economic structure.
The approval of the Starlink licence to operate in Zimbabwe is one of the indications of the Second
Republic’s determination to digitise and improve the welfare of the people. Backed by Space X and its owner Elon Musk, Starlink offers the comparative advantage of low-cost structure, high-quality service, supported by its vast
technological capacity and global footprint.
According to several telecommunications analysts, Starlink’s operation in Zimbabwe is poised to shake up the telecommunications industry, leading to significant changes in service delivery, cost structures and overall market dynamics.
Competition in business leads to positive results, like those mentioned above, which later bring
Positive results to customers.
Competition from Starlink is poised to bring improvements among the already existing local Internet services providers.
As these local internet providers recognise the need to enhance their services to keep their customers, they may invest more in their network infrastructure and service quality, concommitantly improving the telecommunications sector.
Internet services costs are expected to be reduced due to Starlink’s entry, which is a good move in this digital era and e-commerce which now define how the global community interacts and conducts business efficiently and in real-time.
Starlink is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator and its coming on board is a significant milestone in revolutionising the digital and communications technology landscape in Zimbabwe.
This is one of the Government’s major steps in achieving the objective of a fully digitised, upper-middle income economy by 2030.
The Starlink service will be available in partnership with local ISPs, making
Zimbabwe the 14th African country to utilise Starlink services.
With this operating approval, Starlink will offer its
mobile subscription plan nationwide, enabling access in underserved remote rural areas.
Moreover, digital empowerment improves access to information and services in a country. The Second Republic wants everyone to access information and services easily. Therefore, they are amending the IT policies so that they favour every citizen.
Digitilisation enables the delivery of e-Government services, e-learning platforms and digital health-care solutions, among a host of other deliverables.
However, it requires robust ICT infrastructure and connectivity. By investing in broadband
infrastructure and expanding internet access, Zimbabwe can bridge the digital divide and ensure all citizens have equal opportunities to take part in the digital economy.
Digital technologies simplify easy of doing business and reduce bureaucratic hurdles which the panacea to Zimbabwe’s achieving Vision 2030.
This attracts foreign investment, promotes entrepreneurship and stimulates economic growth.
Digital empowerment fosters innovation and enhances the nation’s competitiveness. By influencing a culture of innovation, supporting start-ups, and promoting digital entrepreneurship, the Second Republic is driving technological advancement and attracting global investments.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is convinced the addition of the LEO technology onto the Zimbabwean ecosystem of network technologies will enhance ubiquitous and meaningful broadband connectivity throughout Zimbabwe, according to its director-general, Dr Gift Machengete.
Connecting the unconnected and bridging the digital divide remain key priorities for Zimbabwe as we journey towards Vision 2030.