By Ayesha Mumtaz

In an era where the digital divide continues to present both a challenge and an opportunity for developing economies, Zimbabwe is taking a bold step forward. The country has launched an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Access and Use by Businesses Survey, a collaboration between the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz). This initiative, running from 20 February to 1 March 2024, is not just a data collection exercise but a beacon of Zimbabwe’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology for economic transformation.

Charting the Digital Landscape

The survey aims to map out the extent of ICT adoption across the Zimbabwean business sector. With a comprehensive questionnaire covering ICT gadgets, internet utilization, e-commerce activities, and expenditure on ICT equipment and services, the initiative is primed to offer deep insights into how businesses are integrating technology into their operations. This is more than just tallying numbers; it’s about understanding the barriers to, and opportunities for, enhanced ICT adoption in a bid to direct future investments and policies intelligently.

Implications for Policy and Growth

Why does this matter? The findings from the survey promise to be a goldmine for policymakers and businesses alike. For government officials, the data will illuminate paths to bolster the ICT sector, potentially leading to regulations and initiatives that further encourage technology uptake. Businesses, on the other hand, stand to gain insights that could drive more informed decisions regarding technology investments. In a broader sense, the survey is a step towards realizing Zimbabwe’s ambition of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030, with ICTs playing a central role in this vision by spurring economic activity, job creation, and more.

A Nation on the Digital Rise

Zimbabwe’s focus on enhancing ICT capabilities is a reflection of a global understanding that technology is a critical driver of modern economies. This survey, however, places Zimbabwe in a unique position. By actively seeking out detailed information on how businesses use technology, the country is positioning itself to leapfrog common hurdles in the digital divide. It’s a narrative of hope and ambition, where ICT is not just an enabler of efficiency but a catalyst for comprehensive socio-economic development.

The partnership between Zimstat and Potraz, underpinned by the Census and Statistics Act’s guarantee of confidentiality, ensures that the data collected will be used solely for statistical analysis and policy formation. This commitment to privacy and the strategic use of information underscores the seriousness with which Zimbabwe is approaching this endeavor. As businesses across the nation contribute their data, they are, in essence, laying down the building blocks for a future where technology and economic prosperity go hand in hand.