Sunday, July 05, 2009

Zimbabwe: Government has begun consultations on a new ICT Bill to replace broadcasting, telecoms and privacy legislation

[The Herald] Government has started consultations on the Information Communication and Technology Bill which will repeal the Broadcasting Services Act, Postal and Telecomunications Act and amend some sections of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The Bill seeks to establish a single authority that would regulate the information and communication technology sector.

Addressing stakeholders at a consultative meeting in Harare, Information Communication and Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa said he will present the draft Bill to Cabinet soon.

"I want to assure you all that as Government we will have a people-driven process in coming up with the Bill. What we have as of now is a skeleton framework which you can add flesh on.

"I will be presenting it to Cabinet in two weeks time. Thereafter, the Cabinet Committee on Legislation will look at it before I take it to Parliament for debate. This is all in line with the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme and Government's 100-day Plan," he said.

He said Government intended to make Zimbabwe the hub of ICT development in the region.

"Zimbabwe must be able to exploit ICT for economic growth and this can only be achieved by promoting infrastructure and technological advancement," he said.

The draft will be posted on the ministry website for various stakeholders to make their input. According to the draft Bill, there shall be a National Information and Communication Technology Authority that will regulate and licence players.

The Bill seeks to create a one-stop regulatory authority on ICT and cyberspace. It will consolidate the functions of the Broadcasting Services Act and the postal law by creating a new legal framework.

Zimbabwe: Govt Starts Consultations on ICT Bill

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