entrepreneurship, skills, products and services. ICT is global in nature and Zimbabwe can only
maximize the benefits if it holds a significant position and status on the international stage.
The benefits include attraction of investment and the stimulation of the domestic and export
market for the country. The positive performance of both public and private sectors is required to
achieve this objective. The policy leverages the fact that Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate
in Africa.
6.4
Inclusiveness –Bridge the digital divide and provide broadband for all
The Policy objective is to attain universal access to ICT services in the country by 2018 that
translates to a 100% Internet penetration, 80% Internet geographical coverage and affordable
services relative to the country’s economy and SADC benchmarks. Universal access will drive
the domestic market for ICT products and services. In addition, it is a foundation for national
innovation and entrepreneurship.
6.5
Sustainability
development
–
Manage
challenges
resulting
from
telecommunication/ICT
The Policy objective is to improve Cybersecurity readiness for the country so as to build
confidence and trust in ICTs and their use. The Policy also aims at ensuring that Zimbabwe does
not become a haven for cyber-crime.
With regards to the environment the Policy aims to reduce environmental degradation and reduce
human and animal exposure to harmful emissions emanating from telecommunication systems
and devices.
6.6
Innovation and Partnership – Lead, improve and adapt to the changing
telecommunications/ICT environment
The Policy objective is to build a conducive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship,
investment and partnership in the development of the local ICT software and application
development sector.
The attendant objectives to herald the above are as follows:a) Develop a legal framework that addresses issues related to cyber security, revenue leakages,
protection of data, child online protection, intellectual property rights (IPRs), broadband, etransactions and ethical and moral rights;
b) Facilitate and support the provision and maintenance of infrastructural facilities necessary for
ICT development, such as reliable supply of energy, communications and transport;
c) Put in place mechanisms to ensure that existing infrastructure is effectively utilised through,
among other modalities, sharing to avoid duplication;
d) Manage internet traffic at national level as well as on the Gateways;
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