Zimbabwe’s information communication and technology minister, Nelson Chamisa says that his country is on track with plans to move the country’s ICT sector to “the next level” of development.

Chamisa said government and the private sector should embrace technology instead of fighting it to ensure that Zimbabwe is placed among the African countries with the best ICT infrastructure.

The minister wants the country to be counted among countries with the most developed ICT infrastructure in Africa by 2015.

"This goal is achievable. Private-public participation is required to further construct and upgrade telecommunications facilities in what was once a relatively new sector in Zimbabwe,” said Chamisa.

"Zimbabwe’s ICT sector is a key infrastructure enabler for economic growth by 2015 it should be an open secret to everyone and the continent at large," he added.

Chamisa said ICT could act as a catalyst for national socio-economic growth, propelling the country into a knowledge society with ubiquitous connectivity by 2015.

The government aims to transform the sector through the introduction of a new ICT bill by the end of this year, with the bill aimed at unlocking this sector, promote investment and increase competition.

Chamisa stated that his ministry was also hoping to complete a policy framework to further promote infrastructure sharing among industry players, including the sharing of existing and proposed fibre links, mobile phone base stations, to facilitate faster expansion of networks.