Source: Digital drive gathers pace in rural areas – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, with Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera on Sunday saying no Zimbabwean should be left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking at the 8th Edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving ICT Expo held at Makaha Secondary School in Mashonaland East Province, Minister Mavetera said the initiative was a key vehicle for taking technology and opportunities directly to communities.
“The Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving Expo is designed to take technology, information, and opportunity directly to the people,” she said.
“It bridges the gap between Government programmes and citizens by bringing ICT awareness, digital skills training, innovation and services to communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas.”
Minister Mavetera said the programme was in line with the Second Republic’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, with ICTs playing a central role in driving innovation, improving service delivery and creating jobs.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for development,” she said.
The Minister also commissioned a new base station in Mutoko and said it was a major step towards improving network coverage under the Government’s Tower Relocation and Infrastructure Sharing Policy.
She said the policy allows mobile network operators to share infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and accelerating the rollout of connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“This base station will connect learners to digital education platforms, empower farmers with real-time information, enable entrepreneurs to participate in e-commerce and improve access to Government services,” said Minister Mavetera.
She said the development would improve network access in the district, where communities previously faced challenges in accessing mobile connectivity.
Minister Mavetera also highlighted the recent launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will guide the adoption of emerging technologies in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education and public service delivery.
She said the Government was implementing various capacity-building initiatives, including the Digital Skills Ambassadors Programme, the Cyberus Cybersecurity Training Programme and the 1,5 Million Coders Programme, to equip citizens with relevant digital skills.
“These programmes are equipping Zimbabweans with the skills required to thrive in the modern digital economy,” she said.
Minister Mavetera urged communities, particularly youths, to take advantage of opportunities presented through ICTs.
“Do not wait for jobs, create opportunities for yourselves through ICT,” she said.
The expo, which attracted stakeholders from Government, academia and industry, also saw the launch of the 8th Edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe Magazine.
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