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ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has called upon the private sector, innovators, and advocates to join hands in creating solutions that empower, employ, and elevate persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the recently concluded Telecoms and Disability Conference, Minister Mavetera emphasized the need for inclusion of persons with disabilities in the digital sector.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector is inclusive and accessible to all,” she said. “Our vision is a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in the digital economy and enjoy the benefits of technological advancements.”
To achieve this vision, the Minister outlined several key initiatives. Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy and National ICT Policy both emphasize digital inclusion for all. However, clear accessibility standards and guidelines need to be laid down to ensure that all new technologies and services are designed with inclusivity in mind.
For instance, the government is pursuing a policy where every Community Information Centre (Digital Centre) must have at least one machine equipped with braille software and other assistive capacities. This initiative aims to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly Article 9 on accessibility.
The Minister also urged telecommunications operators to ensure that their mobile networks, websites, and digital services comply with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. By working together, Minister Mavetera believes that Zimbabwe can create a more inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone.
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