Zimbabwe’s National ICT Policy 2022-2027

March 2022

View the original document

Strategies and Action Plans

Zimbabwe’s National ICT Policy 2022-2027 is a comprehensive framework designed to harness the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to drive the country towards its Vision 2030. This vision aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society characterised by a high quality of life for all its citizens. The policy is anchored in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, which prioritises the digital economy as a key driver of socioeconomic development.

Vision, Mission, and Guiding Values

The vision of the policy is to create a knowledge-based society with ubiquitous connectivity by 2030. Its mission is to exploit the potential of ICTs for sustainable socioeconomic development in Zimbabwe. The guiding values include democracy, equality and inclusiveness, innovativeness, and sustainability, reflecting the role of ICTs in strengthening democratic values and promoting gender equality and the interests of marginalised groups.

Global and Regional Context

Globally, the digital divide continues to widen between the ‘digital haves’ and the ‘digital have-nots’. Addressing these gaps requires innovative and inclusive ICT policies that focus on national priorities and have a positive impact on people’s lives. This policy aligns with several international frameworks, including the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030). These frameworks emphasise the critical role of technology and broadband in achieving development goals.

Current ICT Status in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in ICT deployment and usage. The country’s internet penetration stands at 62.6%, with mobile population coverage at 99.87% for 2G, 93.47% for 3G, and 35% for LTE. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural and marginalised communities where high-speed broadband coverage is limited. The policy seeks to address these disparities by enhancing ICT infrastructure and promoting inclusive access to ICT services.

Policy Priorities

The National ICT Policy 2022-2027 is structured around several key priority areas:

  1. Infrastructure and Services: Promoting competition and efficient use of ICT infrastructure, including the development of a national fibre backbone and the use of green energy.
  2. Policy, Legislation, and Regulation: Creating an agile legal and regulatory environment that supports the adoption of emerging technologies and ensures consumer protection.
  3. Digital Skills: Enhancing digital literacy and skills across all levels of education and promoting ICT innovation and entrepreneurship.
  4. Investment and Funding: Attracting foreign and domestic investment in the ICT sector through incentives and public-private partnerships.
  5. Innovation and Local Production: Supporting local ICT innovations and the development of a competitive ICT industry.
  6. Inclusiveness: Ensuring equal access to ICT services for all citizens, including marginalised and vulnerable groups.
  7. Content and Applications: Promoting the development of local content and applications across various sectors.
  8. Emerging Technologies: Encouraging the responsible and ethical use of technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data.
  9. Partnerships and Collaborations: Fostering national, regional, and international partnerships to support ICT development.
  10. E-Government Rollout: Implementing smart government solutions to enhance public service delivery.

Implementation and Monitoring

To ensure the effective implementation of the policy, a multi-sectoral approach will be employed, involving various stakeholders, including government ministries, the private sector, academia, and civil society. A National ICT Policy Advisory Council (NIPAC) will provide strategic direction, while a Policy Implementation Secretariat (PIS) will coordinate and monitor the implementation process. Regular reviews and updates of the policy will be conducted to align with technological advancements and emerging needs.