Rethinking Zimbabwe's ICT Ministry Name: From ICT & Courier Services to ICT & Digital Transformation

Written by: Darlington Chigumbu MP

The name assigned to a government ministry is far more than a mere label; it carries significant weight in shaping its public image and priorities. A well-chosen name can effectively convey the ministry's mission and objectives, thus fostering public understanding and support. It plays a vital role in influencing public perception and the allocation of resources, thus guiding the ministry's focus and impact. An aptly named ministry is a reflection of the government's commitment to addressing specific issues or sectors, ultimately inspiring confidence and trust among the public, stakeholders, and international partners. The choice of a ministry's name is, therefore, a strategic decision with profound consequences for its effectiveness and ability to achieve its objectives.

As an ICT enthusiast, I've often felt that something is amiss in the nomenclature of Zimbabwe's ICT ministry. This led me to examine how similar ministries are named in other countries, both developed and developing. Surprisingly, I discovered that the terms "digitalization" and "innovation" were associated with 95% of the countries I researched. Notably, many of these countries boasted superior ICT rankings compared to Zimbabwe. I am firmly convinced that renaming our ICT ministry could significantly impact our technological and digitalization trajectory as a nation.

The name of the ministry

Presently, the name of the ministry in Zimbabwe is the Ministry of Information Communications Technology and Courier Services. The inclusion of "courier services" presents a notable disconnect with the core focus of the ICT ministry. Courier service is a specialized delivery services that transports packages, documents, or other important items from one location to another, often with an emphasis on speed, security, and reliability. I assume that the phrase “courier services” may have been chosen with e-commerce in mind. However, a visit to the ministry's website reveals nothing that directly links courier services with its stated functions. This misalignment can be detrimental as it blurs the ministry's mandate and purpose. If Zimbabwe is genuinely committed to digitalizing the economy and capitalizing on the benefits of technology for socio-economic development, it is imperative to reconsider the name of the ICT ministry and redefine its objectives.

What name must be given to the ministry?

My suggestion is to rename the ICT ministry to the Ministry of ICT and Digital Transformation. I opted for "digital transformation" over "innovation" because digitalization is the fundamental prerequisite for lasting innovation in today's world, and Zimbabwe is still on the path to full digitalization. Many innovative ideas in the country have met premature demises due to the lack of a digitally conducive environment. Furthermore, my research revealed that countries associating ICT with innovation tend to enjoy more favorable rankings in digitalization, in contrast to Zimbabwe. "Ministry of ICT and Digital Transformation" underscores the ministry's role in modernizing various sectors of the economy and government through digitalization.

In conclusion, while the name of a government ministry is undeniably influential in shaping its public image and objectives, it is only one element among many that contribute to its overall performance. Leadership, policies, funding, staff expertise, and the broader socio-political context in which the ministry operates are equally essential. While a well-chosen name is pivotal in providing clear direction, it must be reinforced by strong leadership, well-crafted policies, and the allocation of resources to achieve desired outcomes. Ultimately, the success of the ICT ministry hinges on a holistic approach that combines a well-defined mission with strategic planning, efficient execution, and adaptability to navigate an ever-changing world

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization he is a part of or represents.