Engaging The Diaspora Conference: Cluster Report Back Economic Development & Investment (ICT ) By Nigel Daura

Significant Findings & Issues Discussed ICT does not contribute meaningfully in GDP Low or no investment in ICT infrastructure in the past 5-10 years Serious skills flight resulted in skills shortage Conflict on the boundaries of the ICT High Internet tariffs Outdated regulatory framework Huge power deficit and outages Lack of Awareness, cyber crime Erratic mobile line connectivity – 2 to 3 lines per person Long outstanding requests for landline applications Lack of Information for investors – Websites presence very low

Significant Findings & Issues Discussed (cont.) Min of ICT setup March 2009 ICT Readiness Survey 2006 ICT Policy framework launched 2007 ICT Bill currently being tabled Computer Society of Zimbabwe for ICT professionals Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe for ICT players National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) ICT Task Force Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) was formed by an Act of Parliament [Chapter 12:05] of 2000 currently residing in the ministry of telecomms

Conclusions ICT cross cuts all sectors and is an enabler for economic development The fibre optic backbone is now in place We now need to consider projects that will make full use of the network and contribute to economic development An ICT Act of Parliament which resides under one Ministry

Recommendations Development of government information sharing systems and websites Website that will enable us to interact with the Diaspora and maintain a database of available skills DFZ to facilitate the crafting of an ICT policy framework and best practice Raising ICT awareness Explore opportunities in the public sector ICT Parastatals (TelOne and Net One)

Summary of Programmes Priority Areas ActivitiesActors/PartnersTimelines OutputsMonitoring Increase ICT awareness DFZ ICT symposium, Workshops in Schools and government departments PM’s office, DFZ, CSZ, Ministry of ICT Immediate - On-going A greater awareness of the role ICT plays in economic development PM’s office, Ministry of ICT, CSZ ICT policy framework Engage and consult with Diaspora on policy formulation and best practice PM’s office, DFZ, Ministry of ICT and Diaspora, CSZ, Donors 6 months ICT Bill and best practice methodology PM’s office Ministry of ICT, CSZ, DFZ Information Sharing Website and database Development DFZ, Government Departments, Diaspora, Zinnovation 3 – 6 monthsDatabases & Websites, knowledge systems Ministry of ICT, CSZ, DFZ, Zinnovation