Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer
GOVERNMENT has rebranded Community Information Centres into “Digital Centres” to drive economic growth in remote communities in line with the national transformation targets.
The first Digital Centre to be commissioned is the Tshelanyemba one in Matobo District, Matabeleland South province which was commissioned last week.
Under this initiative, local entrepreneurs are expected to use the digital facilities to market their products.
Rural farmers, for instance, can use these to assess prices and sell produce. Students will use it for research studies while families will use it to access Government services.
Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICTs) Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, presided over the event accompanied by her deputy, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti.
In her remarks she said the project was a strategic win to the whole nation.
“This is a proud moment not only for Tshelanyemba but for the whole nation, because what we celebrate here today will serve as a model for other communities across Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mavetera.
“For many years, facilities such as these were known as Community Information Centres. They provided communities with valuable access to ICT services.
“It’s a change of vision, a change of purpose, and a reflection of the journey of our country under the leadership President Mnangagwa,” she said.
“The President has consistently reminded us that ‘no one and no place should be left behind.’ The rebranding from CICs to Digital Centres ensures that these facilities are not seen as simple access points, but as centres of digitalisation, empowerment, and innovation.”
Dr Mavetera said the rebranded centres will connect Zimbabweans to the world, give young people access to modern opportunities, and enable rural communities to participate fully in the digital economy.
She said the change was necessary because as Zimbabwe is no longer simply using ICTs for communication, but is now using them to drive agriculture, healthcare, education, governance, and business.
“A Digital Centre is, therefore, designed to be a hub for connectivity, access to ICT equipment, and e-learning and education – allowing our children and teachers to access online resources and digital skills training,” she said.
“It also offers e-health, e-agriculture, and e-commerce, creating opportunities for local businesses to reach wider markets.”
Dr Mavetera said her ministry was also offering training to certain individuals who will spearhead the project as an engine of growth, a platform for innovation, and a bridge to opportunities that were once far from reach.
This includes the 1,5 million “Coders Programme,” which aims to equip young people with coding skills.
“Coding is the language of the future. Through this programme, we want Zimbabwean youths to be able to design websites, create mobile applications, and develop home-grown digital solutions,” said Minister Mavetera.
“The Tshelanyemba Digital Centre will give them the internet, the equipment, and the mentorship they need to succeed.
“The Second Republic is determined to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030. Vision 2030 is not just a slogan, it’s a roadmap,” she added.
“To achieve it, we need to ensure that every community, whether rural or urban, is digitally connected, digitally skilled, and digitally empowered. That is why these Digital Centres are so important. They are practical steps towards achieving Vision 2030.”
Dr Mavetera commended the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz) for its unwavering commitment to the programe and for ensuring that Digital Centres are established even in rural and remote communities such as Tshelanyemba.
She pleaded with the community to guard jealously the facility and fully utilise it.
Potraz director general Dr Gift Machengete, who was represented by his deputy Mr Alfred Marisa, said the Digital Centres benefit different sectors.
“Today we celebrate more than a building with computers and connectivity — we celebrate a practical step towards inclusive development, where every learner, every health worker, every farmer, every entrepreneur and every person with disabilities can participate fully in the digital economy,” he said. “This Centre is part of Zimbabwe’s growing network of Digital Centres established by Potraz through the Universal Service Fund (USF).”
Dr Machengete said as of August 31, 2025, Potraz through the USF, has supported 146 Digital Centres established in renovated post offices, complemented by 24 containerised sites and 37 new brick-and-mortar centres that are at different stages of development.
Nationally, 154 centres are operational and offering training and services to communities and Matabeleland South has 18.
“Beyond centres like this one, the Potraz has invested in connectivity infrastructure that makes digital access possible in the first place,” said Dr Machengete. —@mthabisi_mthire
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu