Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE FIT Robotics Science Expo 2026 has been hailed as a key initiative in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, nurturing innovation and identifying young technical talent in Zimbabwe.
The expo was held on Friday at Riverdale Academy High School in Bulawayo, bringing together schools, innovators, tertiary institutions and industry players to showcase technology-driven solutions to real-life challenges.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, who officiated at the event, commended the organisers for providing learners with opportunities to develop practical digital skills and explore robotics and other emerging technologies.
“By establishing the FIT Robotics Science Expo 2026, you are driving a crucial national initiative aimed at promoting STEM education, fostering a culture of innovation, and identifying young technical talent across Zimbabwe for long-term development.
“Your dedication to providing our learners with practical digital skills, logic training, and technical exposure from early childhood through secondary education is invaluable to our nation,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.
He said the expo’s structured approach enabled learners at different educational levels to develop age-appropriate skills in computational thinking, programming, robotics and engineering.
“What makes the FIT Robotics Science Expo 2026 particularly commendable is its structured, inclusive framework designed to nurture problem-solving at every stage of learning.
“At Infants Division (ECD A & ECD B) you will be instilling basic computational thinking and spatial awareness through show-and-tell, simple builds, and block coding. For the Juniors Division (Grade 3 to Grade 7) there is developing functional logic, sensor integration, and working robotic mechanisms while for Secondary Division (Form 1 to Form 6) there js mastering advanced programming, artificial intelligence algorithms, Internet of Things (IoT) design, and competitive engineering challenges,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.
Deputy Minister Phuti said his Ministry was mandated to drive Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and support the development of an inclusive, innovation-driven economy.
He said the expo aligned with the Government’s development priorities under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which place emphasis on digitisation, industrialisation, innovation and youth empowerment.
“NDS2 recognises that the future of Zimbabwe lies in leveraging technology to modernise our economy, enhance industrial output, create high-value employment, and unlock opportunities for our young people. It prioritises the expansion of digital infrastructure, smart systems, local innovation ecosystems, and comprehensive ICT skills development.
“Programmes like the FIT Robotics Science Expo directly support these national objectives by equipping learners with core competencies in robotics, automation, coding, and artificial intelligence—skills that are indispensable for building a competitive, technology-driven Zimbabwe.
“ICT is not merely about connectivity; it is about opportunity, productivity, and empowerment,” said Deputy Minister Phuti.
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