Government has noted the need for Africa as a continent to create a legal and regulatory framework that will motivate and propel the private sector to be able to invest a lot more in information and communication technologies.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati notes that Africa now agrees that it is no longer a taker of decisions but belongs to the table where the decisions are made as it believes that ICT is not a destination but a way of life.
Mr. Mutati said it is the belief of African governments that ICT’s remain central to the socio-economic endeavours of individual countries, as such, they must be used to improve the quality of life and create jobs as well as generate investments.
Mr. Mutati said Africa has what it takes to seize the opportunities that are derived from the ICT sector, as such, it was his desire that no one should be left behind on this critical journey to digitally transform the continent.
The minister was speaking when he officially opened a five (5) days 3rd African Preparatory Meeting for World Radio Communication hosted by Zambia that has attracted delegates from seventy three (73) countries across the globe.
And Mr. Mutati called on delegates that during this meeting, they should examine if there is a licensing framework on the African continent which will help generate increased participation of Africans in the ICT sector.
He also said Zambia remains resolved and destined to launch its own satellite within the next two years as this technology will take the country where other technologies are unable to.
Speaking at the same event, African Telecommunications Union Secretary General John Omo said delegates will utilize this meeting to inspire and generate data that will build momentum for the progress required to be achieved.
And Information and Media Minister Chushi Kasanda said the media has seen an exponential growth in the use of digital platforms for news and entertainment post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms. Kasanda said this goes to show how much the country is increasingly relying on ICTs and the need to plan ahead for sustainability of this growth in uptake and usage.
Meanwhile, ZICTA Acting Director General Pethel Phiri said during the covid-19 pandemic, there was a lot of innovation development and incorporation of various ICT and electronic communication platforms facilitating business continuity.
