Section I BACKGROUND 1 Background By definition information and communications technology (ICT) is the general term that describes information technology (IT) which stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. This second Information and Communication Technology Policy is a culmination of a review process that considered the first Zimbabwe National ICT Policy (hereinafter referred to as the 2005 National ICT Policy) through a consultative process that involved stakeholders from around all the provinces of the country. The consultative process, undertaken in all the ten provinces of Zimbabwe, entailed provincial workshops where stakeholders examined the 2005 National Policy and proffered their proposals. Apart from the provincial workshops, information was conveyed to other stakeholders through the Ministry website and also through targeted survey tools to specific entities in a bid to adhere to the consultative nature of the process. This approach was adopted in order to not only enhance the quality of the final product, but to also ensure that the same product was a people driven output with which people would claim ownership. The coordination of the whole process was undertaken by the Ministry of ICTPCS through a taskforce that comprised members of the NECF. A consultant was engaged by the Ministry, with the assistance of the UNECA. The consultant was tasked with the facilitation of the nationwide workshops, undertaking a desk study on the national, regional and international context on ICTs and the drafting of the current National ICT Policy. In the consultations that ensued, the various policy documents whose principles underpinned the 2005 National ICTs Policy and the attendant policy framework process were all taken into consideration. The underlying principles of the second ICTs policy derive from the Ministry’s vision and mission which are outlined below. 1.1 Vision A knowledge-based society with ubiquitous connectivity by 2020. 1.2 Mission Exploit the potential of ICTs for sustainable socio-economic development in Zimbabwe. 11