Bulawayo (New Ziana)-The private sector should complement the government by investing in research and development of information communication technologies (ICTs), including at innovation hubs and industrial parks located at institutions of higher learning across the country.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said this on Thursday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) exhibition centre where he officiated at the graduation ceremony of students who had undergone an ICT training programme.
The programme was initiated by Concord Young Women In Business Global with support from Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services.
At least 7 840 young women drawn from the disability community, churches and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) across the country`s 10 provinces took part in the training.
The graduation ceremony ran under the theme, “Women Inclusion and Participation in Achieving Vision 2030”.
“The Second Republic is also enhancing access to information communication technology at both primary and secondary level through theory and practical lessons as well as provision of the requisite teaching and learning materials,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said the adoption and proper utilisation of ICT solutions would lead to increased production of goods and services as well as enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in the country.
He said the government was also prioritising the use of ICTs through investment and support in ICT hardware and software.
“Equally, ICT education, research and development, the expansion of innovation and information centres, as well as ICT governance and the training of Government officials in ICT usage remain high on our national agenda,” he said.
President Mnangagwa exhorted organisations such as Young Women in Business Global, in collaboration with institutions of higher and tertiary education, to strengthen their curriculum and content on ICT.
“This will include increasing the mentorship of women in business and offering more intermediate and advanced level courses in such fields as software development, IT service management, website design, hardware as well as mobile application development among them,” he said.
He praised Young Women in Business Global for being proactive and introducing courses which enhance the participation of women in ICT.
“As our society becomes increasingly more digitalised, it is my expectation that young women who choose careers in ICT will be able to influence change and ensure that what is being developed reflects the interested and challenges faced by girls and women,” he said.
Concord Young Women in Business Global director general Heather Hunda said such ICT training programmes would equip women with skills that would enhance their businesses.
She said ICT training programmes would also assist young women in business to connect globally.
New Ziana
