INTRODUCTION The development and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) since Independence in 1980 to date has seen unprecedented changes due to fast technological developments. This growth has been achieved through the realisation of the indispensable nature of ICTs by the Government of Zimbabwe, which initiated the development of the first National ICT Policy, finalised in 2005. This second policy takes cognisance of the dynamism in the ICT sector, which renders it imperative that requisite policies are reviewed at certain intervals so that the country does not lag behind. The Government, through the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (Ministry of ICTPCS) and with financial and technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) held consultative workshops to review the first ICT Policy July to mid-September 2012. The policy examines the Ministerial Vision as it cascades from the National Vision. Due to their importance, the Ministerial Vision and Mission are included in this Policy so that they set a clear foundation upon which this policy is anchored. The consultative process noted the tremendous telecommunications sector developments and also the impediments to further growth of the ICT sector. Inadequate ICT infrastructure and skills coupled with unsatisfactory institutional arrangements, among other issues, as being major impediments to ICT sector growth. The overall objectives of the policy framework are: A. Transformation - Facilitate delivery of Zim-ASSET and other National Developmental goals B. Growth – Enable and foster access to and increased use of telecommunications/ICT in all spheres of life (such as e-Government, e-Commerce, eEmployment, ICT in education, ICT in health, ICT in science and ICT in agriculture), C. Inclusiveness –Bridge the digital divide and provide broadband for all D. Sustainability – Manage challenges resulting from the telecommunication/ICT development E. Innovation and partnership – Lead, improve and adapt to the changing telecommunication/ICT environment The following have been incorporated in this policy to achieve the above objectives:  Institutional Framework  Legal and Regulatory framework  Universal access and service to ICTs  National Broadband Plan  Management of National Resources (i.e., Spectrum, Satellite Orbits, Numbering and Naming)  Broad-based entrepreneurship and innovation (local content development)  Empowerment and indigenisation for service providers and vendors  Incentives to attract foreign investors 9

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