Africa’s Tech Hub might find a potential home in Zimbabwe with the current tech direction in the country.
Speaking on his visit to his home country, James Manyika, the Senior Vice President at Google mentioned that Zimbabwe has the potential to become one of Africa’s technology innovation hubs if some key criteria can be met.
These conditions include reduced cost of Information Communications Technology (ICT) data, devices and infrastructure.
During the visit, Manyika had a crucial meeting with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Tatenda Mavetera.
The Google S.V.P underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts from the government and other stakeholders in fostering ICT development within the country.
Highlighting key factors pivotal to this endeavour, Manyika stressed the significance of robust digital infrastructure, widespread availability of affordable internet access, and a comprehensive educational framework in transforming Zimbabwe into Africa’s Tech Hub.
These criteria, he emphasized, are fundamental in nurturing a dynamic innovation ecosystem capable of attracting and retaining entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, thereby propelling Zimbabwe towards its potential as a thriving technology hub in Africa.
In speaking to the press,
“The role of digital infrastructure is fundamental. I think it is important to focus on creating a real innovation ecosystem in Zimbabwe which has a lot of talent in young people and make sure they have access to infrastructure and innovation hubs.
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This is extraordinary like that l have seen in other countries like Ghana, and Rwanda which have created very vibrant innovation ecosystems and we must create something like that in Zimbabwe.”
He also emphasized the need to add ICT to the academic structure of the country, especially from the foundational level. He said,
“The role of skills education and learning is very important. We have to try and make sure that we create a regional pipeline of skills from primary schools where kids try and understand digital technology and access infrastructure tools and devices.”
He stated to the Zimbabwean government,
“Our discussions with the minister highlighted three key areas: enhancing digital infrastructure, reducing barriers to internet access, and addressing the affordability of devices, all of which are significant challenges across many African countries.”
In a passionate appeal, Manyika urged the government to take proactive measures that address the identified challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.
Envisioning Zimbabwe as a potential regional powerhouse for innovation, he emphasized the critical role of well-crafted policies in achieving this vision. Manyika expressed optimism that, with the right policies enacted, Zimbabwe could become a magnet for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors.
Minister Mavetera echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for policy frameworks that create a conducive environment for the flourishing of the ICT sector. Such an environment, he noted, would not only attract youth and investors but also foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the burgeoning tech ecosystem.
In his words,
“Zimbabwe needs to create policies that will enable the ICT sector to thrive and to create a conducive environment for the youth and investors as well as sharing expertise and experiences.”
FinTech Telex recalls the formidable funding challenges faced by Zimbabwean startups in the years preceding the administration of President Mnangagwa. During this period, the country struggled to attract investments, resulting in a pervasive scarcity of resources for emerging businesses.
The lack of funding took a toll on numerous startups, compelling many to prematurely cease their operations. This unfortunate trend significantly hampered the organic growth of the technology sector within Zimbabwe.
However, with the dawn of the Mnangagwa government, there emerged a promising shift, as the administration actively embraced policies to open up the nation to investors, aiming to revitalize the entrepreneurial landscape and foster a conducive environment for the growth of the technology industry.
With the criteria mentioned earlier fulfilled, Zimbabwe can be one of Africa’s Tech Hubs.
