Zimbabwe to attract business and tourism through internet

Zimbabwe’s new minister of Information and Communications Technology, Nelson Chamisa, has called for an establishment of a new website to promote the country’s virtues as prime business and tourism destination.

MR Chamisa made the comments while addressing stakeholders in the ICT sector, stating that the country was in dire need of an image boost after a period of political unrest and negative publicity.

Says Chamisa: “We are very much behind in terms of ICT provision in this country and we want to be seen as an able government. Zimbabwe has to market itself rigorously using the available technologies if we are to get back on the global market,”

“We want all the money that the tourists bring to remain here for the benefit of the country. Globally because of the rapid development in ICTs, businesses and social interactions have been made convenient, but this has been very different in this country.”

Prior to the onset of the country’s political and economic woes in 1999, Zimbabwe had the fastest growing ICT industry in Southern Africa outside South Africa. The industry has however declined along with the general economic decline and out-of-control inflation.

Mr Chamisa also stressed the need for development of the country’s mobile and telecom industry and infrastructure.