DEVELOPING a thriving information and communication technology (ICT) sector is a priority for many developing and emerging economies.
ICT drives private sector productivity and competitiveness, creates employment and spurs innovation.
Firms, organisations as well as individuals have greater opportunities to use ICT productively when locally based firms are available to provide relevant ICT products and services at affordable prices and in a timely manner.
Against this backdrop, finding effective policies to support ICT sector development is important.
Government is developing the National ICT Strategic and Implementation Plan to enable Zambians to afford various services using ICT.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Minister, Yamfwa Mukanga says Government has prioritised the development of the ICT sector as it has potential to contribute to economic development.
He says Government is committed to providing an enabling environment for investment in ICT to foster competition and innovation in the sector.
Mr Mukanga observes that ICT holds the key to Zambia’s prosperity.
He says by harnessing technology in the country, the Government is also aware of how fast technology will help Zambia attain prosperous middle income status by 2030.
This is why it is important for the country to turn possibilities that technology can bring about into reality.
This is the more reason it is further necessary for the country to learn from the latest technology trends from other advanced countries.
Zambia can increase access to fast and reliable communication services if the private sector actively participates.
Mr Mukanga says Government will continue to support private sector participation in the growth and development of the country’s economy.
He says competition among service providers in the sector will lead to improved service delivery and reduction in the cost of services and telecommunications products.
“We applaud partnerships with the private sector and particularly in the telecommunications sector.
“We recognise that it is only with the private sector’s active involvement that Zambia can increase access to fast, reliable communication services whose trickle-down effects include better education and health care delivery even in rural and remote parts of the country, among others,” he says.
Mr Mukanga says despite the challenging economic climate, it is encouraging to note that there are local businesses that continue to make significant investments.
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao observes that Zambia has the potential to do away with over reliance on mining to further develop.
Mr Yuxiao says like other developed countries, Zambia can use technology to foster its economic growth.
There is need for private and public institutions to embrace ICTs in their operations to enhance productivity, efficiency and transparency.
Effective usage of ICT has the potential to develop the economy, hence the need to embrace them.
Government has prioritised the development of the ICT sector and supporting infrastructure because it recognises the sector’s potential to contribute to the country’s economic development.
ICTs are important in moving the country forward and enriching business development.
ICT should be a conduit for economic development and in ensuring that the country has sustainable development.
Recently, the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) entered into an agreement to attract and develop the ICT sector in the country.
ZICTA and the ZDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that is aimed at enhancing the collaboration of the agencies in attracting and developing investment in ICT, which includes postal and courier services sectors.
ZICTA director general Margret Chalwe-Mudenda says the MoU will provide for the establishment of a comprehensive framework for co-operation and exchange of information between ZICTA and ZDA.
In particular, the collaboration is anchored on attracting and facilitating more investments into the ICT sector as well as the postal services sector in Zambia.
There are also untapped investment opportunities within the telecommunications, internet service providers, value added services, postal and courier services sub-sectors, to mention but a few.
These opportunities, if properly packaged and shared with prospective investors, could have a huge impact on economic growth and job creation in Zambia.
This provides a firm rationale for the establishment of a MoU between ZICTA and ZDA.
It is expected that the co-operation between ZICTA and ZDA will facilitate the growth of investment into the ICT sector, which will in turn translate into some social and economic change in Zambia.
ZDA director general Patrick Chisanga says ZDA has a mandate to promote local and foreign investments across all sectors, but the ICT sector has not been sufficiently explored, particularly among Zambian entrepreneurs.
The aim of the MoU is to boost investment in ICT, postal and courier services sectors by increasing promotion and facilitation of investment in the sectors and undertaking research, and policy analysis on issues relating to investment and exchange of information on investment in the sector.
The MoU will remain in force for three years and will cover mutual assistance and exchange of information to enable the two agencies perform their respective functions effectively according to the laws, regulations and mandate with the aim of attracting and developing investment in ICT, postal and courier services sectors.
The ICT sector provides economic opportunities to both urban and rural populations.
ZAMTEL chief executive officer Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe says ICT play a critical role in the delivery of quality goods and service and that it cannot be over emphasized.
Dr Mwanakatwe says it is imperative for operators in the telecommunication industry to be seen to be championing the empowerment of their staff in embracing the technological changes evolving globally.
He says industry players need to be visionary and comprehend future trends to stay competitive and relevant and be able to recognise the need to reinvent their companies and inspire other organization to adapt to the new environment and secure long-term competitiveness.
“We are aware of the potential and catalytic nature of ICTs and the social economic associated with them.
“However, we note this, we are also mindful of the enormous challenges of ensuring that our employees gain access to adequate and affordable ICT services,” Dr Mwanakatwe says.
Dr Mwanakatwe explains that the use of social and interactive media has continued to play an increasing important role for human resource function in a diverse range of ways, including staff recruitment, employee engagement and employee communications.
The ICT sector should be embraced by all Zambians to enhance development.
The use of ICT is aiding businesses in many sectors of the economy, hence the need to position the country’s sectors to cope up with modern technology.