Source: Zim, Zambia forge digital corridor to boost trade – herald
Rutendo Nyeve in Livingstone, Zambia
ZIMBABWE and Zambia are taking bold steps to deepen regional integration through the establishment of a digital corridor and seamless non-stop border posts, a transformative project expected to boost trade, innovation, e-learning and telemedicine between the two countries.
The two neighbours announced the initiative during the official opening of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) Summit held in Livingstone, Zambia, on Thursday.
The event, running under the theme “Smart, Secure, Connected,” provided a strategic platform for the countries’ ICT ministers to unveil a shared digital vision anchored on connectivity, innovation and cross-border collaboration.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera and Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Mr Felix Mutati said the two nations’ historical, cultural and geographical ties provide a strong foundation for technological integration.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe share a common history, a common heritage and are connected by the mighty Zambezi River. That is why even in power generation, we rely on a shared asset, the Kariba Dam,” said Minister Mutati.
Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi had set an ambitious 12-month target to transform the existing one-stop border posts into non-stop digital border crossings where travellers and goods will move seamlessly through shared systems.
“Our ambition over the next 12 months is to achieve a non-stop border post, so that our citizens can transact and move freely across borders,” said Mr Mutati.
Minister Mavetera said Zimbabwe fully supports the creation of a digital corridor with Zambia to facilitate trade, innovation and human development through technology.
“Zimbabwe advocates for the development of digital corridors with Zambia to facilitate trade, telemedicine, e-learning and innovation across borders. As an African proverb says, ‘sticks in a bundle are unbreakable, together, we can accelerate digital transformation and economic growth,” she said.
The initiative dovetails with continental frameworks such as AU Agenda 2063 and the SADC Digital Transformation Strategy, both of which call for a harmonised and secure digital market across Africa.
CSZ president Mr Freddy Ndlovu said hosting the summit in Zambia was a deliberate move to expand the digital dialogue beyond borders, adding that collaboration was key to unlocking Africa’s digital potential.
“The idea is to make it a regional event. Zimbabwe and Zambia share infrastructure, from hydropower to data networks, so it makes sense that we collaborate in developing a shared digital future,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu challenged ICT professionals to take the lead in crafting practical digital solutions while Governments create the enabling policy environment.
Minister Mutati outlined how Zambia is empowering its digital ecosystem through legal and financial reforms designed to support innovation.
“We have enacted legislation that empowers our computer association to partner with the Government in driving the transformation journey,.
The minister added that Zambia is revising its Data Protection Act and drafting an Innovation and Inventors Bill that will establish a venture capital fund for tech start-ups.
The post Zim, Zambia forge digital corridor to boost trade appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.