Smart Zimbabwe blueprint puts nation on path to tech sovereignty

Rutendo Nyeve recently in Livingstone, Zambia

ZIMBABWE is making bold strides in its transition from a consumer to a creator of technology, as the nation intensifies the implementation of its Smart Zimbabwe blueprint — a national digital transformation agenda aimed at building a secure, connected, and innovation-driven economy.

This was highlighted by the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, in her keynote address at the Computer Society of Zimbabwe Summit 2025, held in Livingstone, Zambia, on Thursday.

The summit, themed “Smart, Secure, Connected,” brought together ICT professionals, innovators, policymakers, and regional partners to explore Africa’s digital future.

Dr Mavetera said Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda is guided by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi,” adding that the Government is deliberately placing technology at the heart of the nation’s Vision 2030 aspirations.

“Zimbabwe is actively embracing the concept of shaping its own future rather than relying on imports. Several initiatives have been rolled out to advance the Smart Zimbabwe vision, including a 1.5 million Digital Skills Programme, which aligns directly with the African Union’s Digital Agenda, ensuring our people are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dr Mavetera.

She noted that the Digital Skills Programme is complemented by nationwide cybersecurity training and a Digital Ambassadors Programme, both designed to promote foundational digital literacy across all communities.

To nurture home-grown innovation, the Minister said the Government is strengthening innovation hubs and industrial parks at universities, while supporting start-ups in high-growth sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), and Government Technology (GovTech).

“To stimulate home-grown innovation and entrepreneurship, we are cultivating talent through Innovation Hubs and Industrial Parks, and providing vital support for start-ups in sectors like AI, FinTech, and GovTech,” she said.
Dr Mavetera emphasised that innovation must be underpinned by digital trust and security, noting that no digital economy can thrive without robust safeguards.

She highlighted significant progress made by the Government in enhancing cybersecurity, including the operationalisation of the Cyber and Data Protection Act, the finalisation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, and the adoption of standards aligned with the AU Malabo Convention.

“The protection of our data and digital sovereignty is not optional — it is imperative,” she said, quoting President Mnangagwa.

Connectivity remains a cornerstone of the Smart Zimbabwe strategy. Dr Mavetera said the Government is working to bridge the digital divide through the deployment of base stations in rural areas and the establishment of Community Information Centres in remote districts.

“This ensures that the benefits of the digital revolution are felt from Harare to the most remote villages,” she said.
The Minister added that the expansion of digital payment systems, including ZiG-backed fintech solutions, is helping to integrate more citizens into the formal economy, thereby supporting financial inclusion and transparency.
Using the platform to strengthen regional ties, Dr Mavetera urged Zimbabweans to learn, innovate, and collaborate within Africa, citing Zambia as a valuable partner in the continent’s shared digital transformation journey.

“We must build strong partnerships with our African neighbours, share ideas, and bring home the inspiration from such platforms to implement tangible solutions,” she said.

Drawing inspiration from Tanzania’s founding father, the late President Julius Nyerere, Dr Mavetera reminded delegates: “Africa must run while others walk.”

She reaffirmed that Zimbabwe is moving beyond rhetoric by implementing tangible, measurable initiatives that will reshape the country’s socio-economic landscape through technology, security, and regional cooperation.

The Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan, launched under the Second Republic, seeks to integrate digital technology into all sectors of the economy — from e-government and digital finance to education, health, and agriculture.

The strategy is anchored in inclusivity, ensuring that both rural and urban citizens benefit from technology-driven development. Through devolution funding, partnerships with universities, and the expansion of ICT infrastructure, the country aims to achieve a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy by 2030.