By Lumbiwe Mwanza
THE rapid growth in internet connectivity in Zambia should be used to raise awareness on the effective use of technology among the young people for economic benefits, Dziwa Science Technology Trust (DSaT) has said.
The Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) recently announced an increase in the total number of active internet subscriptions in the country from 10.4 million subscriptions reported at the end of 2021 to 11.1 million recorded at the end of 2022 representing a growth of 6.73
percent.
Speaking to The Scoop in an exclusive interview today, DSaT Chief Executive Officer Veronica Mwaba observes that despite this milestone achievement, little benefits are seen on the economy based on an increase of the internet connection among citizens and especially among the women folk.
Mrs. Mwaba is of the view that more effort is needed in ensuring that internet connectivity especially among the women folk enhances the accessibility of critical information to enable them contribute positively to national development.
“Yesterday, we commemorated international women’s day whose theme centred around technology and innovation. From that we can question as a country how many women have access to the internet and how that internet is helping them to understand various economic issues, be it trade or others. We need to do more as a country,” Mrs. Mwaba said.
Mrs. Mwaba however notes that Government recognises the Science Technology Innovation Policy for greater involvement of women and girls in all Science Technology and Innovation processes that are tailored to increase access and use of technology among women regardless of their standing in society.
