AT least 16% of companies in the manufacturing sector do not use information and communication technology (ICT) in developing their businesses, a new survey carried out by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) reveals.
by Stephen Chadenga
According to the 2015 manufacturing sector survey results, 13% of companies used the Internet for selling their products while 23% do not use the Internet at all.
“Sixteen percent of the respondents compared to 34% last year indicated that they do not use ICT in developing new business models, 19% reported slight use of ICT in developing business models, while 18% significantly use ICT to develop new business models,” the report noted.
“The remainder (47%) moderately uses ICT in the development of new business models.”
The survey noted that local manufacturing companies were not utilising the Internet to market new and existing products hence failing to sell the products in other countries.
The report highlighted that the manufacturing sector needed to speed up the use of the Internet as a marketing tool.
“Results from the survey indicate that 13% of the respondents use the Internet for selling very significantly while 23% of the respondents stated that they do not use the Internet at all,” read part of the report.
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“Thirty-two of the respondents indicated that they do not use virtual social networks for professional and personal communication within their companies.
“Only 5% significantly use virtual social networks for communication within their companies. Sixty percent of the respondents indicated that the Internet service providers manage to provide the right speeds and connectivity required for their businesses.”
According to the survey capacity utilisation in the sector dropped to 34,4% in 2015 from 36,5% last year. This was attributed to capital constraints and antiquated machinery.
