Zambian Govt. to Commercialize ICT Sector – RB

Zambian Coat of Arms

President RUPIAH BANDA says government will commercialize the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector in order to enhance ZAMBIA’s economic growth.

Mr. BANDA says government has realized that the ICT sector has the potential to transform Zambia’s economy more rapidly than other sectors.

This is absolutely true and has been for a while now.

The President also disclosed that the World Bank has shown willingness to help the country grow the ICT sector.

But what does he actually mean by “commercializing the ICT sector” and are there any real benefits?

Generally, commercializing the ICT sector is a process of applying technology in meaningful ways so that people, markets and society can adpot new innovation. Today, it is evident in our day to day lives how technology is embedded in almost everything we do – from the use of electrical equipment at home & work, driving, the use of mobile phones, hospital equipment, accessing all sorts of products and services and just about everything else we do; involves a certain level of technology.

So, the ability to integrate new technologies into society is important because it enables society to progress in directions that increase the standard of living, open new opportunities, and ultimately propels society and our civilization to new heights.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS I CAN THINK OF RIGHT NOW:

• Given that our ICT sector is still in infancy,there is a higher chance of attracting sensible foreign investment that gradually will grow the country’s overall economy through improved products and services.




• Rapid growth of technology creates an increasing demand and need for more entrepreneurs. Until now wealth creation has not been taken so seriously especially by the young people (youths) – there is often a lax approach of waiting upon the older veterans to do something about it.




• R & D is likely to thrive promoting our local research facilities and educational institutions.

Having said this, I believe there are also some drawbacks of commercializing the ICT sector, but I would like to think that at this stage these have benign consequences to our economy. So, I won’t even bother dwelling on that right now – may be later.

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