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Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter—
THE 13th Innovation Africa Digital (IAD) summit kicks off in Victoria Falls today with more than 500 participants expected to attend. Intense deliberations are lined up for the largest information and communication technology (ICT)s’ gathering on the continent, which runs under the theme: “Affordable Access”.

ICTs and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira yesterday said all was set for the summit.

“All is set for the Innovation Africa Digital summit in Victoria Falls tomorrow (today),” said Mandiwanzira.

He said his deputy Win Mlambo was already in the resort town to facilitate smooth preparations for the event.

Zimbabwe hosts the summit at a time when there is increased interest in opportunities in the ICTs sector — seen as one of the fastest growing industries the world over.

The summit supports the sustainable growth of Africa’s telecommunications and ICT sectors.

It provides a valuable opportunity for the host government to demonstrate a commitment within the country to support the growth of the ICT sector and attract inward investments.

The event attracts policy makers, service providers, major end users, value added services providers, consultants and investors among other key stakeholders.

An ICT expert Nelson Chipangamate said the hosting of the summit by the country was not only important to Zimbabwe but Africa at large.

“The summit isn’t only important to Zimbabwe but the continent at large as the event has the potential to propel us from the backwaters of technology as well as encouraging diffusion of innovation.

“The summit is also an opportunity to build a community of innovation through sharing innovation and creating synergies,” he said.

Chipangamate applauded the recent reduction in voice tariffs by mobile network operators saying this gives citizens’ increased access to affordable telecommunications services.

Early this year, Zimbabwe’s three mobile network operators reduced voice call tariffs from 23 cents per minute to 15 cents in line with the government directive through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

“Technological development through innovation such as broadband, mobile money service and mobile farming are critical to economic development,” said Chipangamate.

Last Friday, Mandiwanzira challenged telecommunication companies to consider a significant downward review of broadband charges taking a cue from State-owned TelOne, which was offering data at 90 percent discount on prevailing charges.

The government’s economic blue-print-Zim-Asset identifies ICTs as an enabler and driver for economic growth across the other sectors.