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Africa Moyo Deputy News Editor
A Zimbabwean delegation is in India seeking investors who can take up opportunities in the information communication technology sector, to bridge the gap that exists between Harare and other countries.

Led by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, the delegation is courting investors who can bring in base stations, grants, loans and partnerships.

Other delegates include Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) director-general Dr Gift Machengete, Telecel Zimbabwe chief executive Mrs Angeline Vere, PowerTel managing director Mr Samuel Maminimini, Zarnet chief executive officer Engineer Washington Masunga and other telecommunications players.

Deputy Minister Muswere said Zimbabwe required 350 base stations to meet the population’s ICT needs, adding they were seeking grants, loans and partnerships in rolling out ICT infrastructure, e-government and smart initiatives.

Luring investors for the attainment of Vision 2030 of an upper middle income economy is the country’s top priority under the policy, Zimbabwe is Open for Business, enunciated by President Mnangagwa.

Speaking during one of the engagements with Indian officials last Thursday, Dr Machengete said they had gone to India for the India Mobile Congress, which ran from October 14 to 16 in New Delhi.

However, they elected to remain behind for a few days on a study tour to learn how India had harnessed ICTs for development.
“We are well informed of the strides that India has taken in this regard and us as a developing country we feel that we have a lot to learn from India,” said Dr Machengete.