Sundaymail Editor
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Bowllar Chirume, attended the Innovation Week Zimbabwe 2025 ICT Startup Policy Hackathon event at POTRAZ headquarters. It was held in Zimbabwe’s capital city and speaks to the government’s commitment to the digital economy and national growth. The innovations being introduced are expected to be beneficial to all. A statement to this effect was made by Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mawetera. Innovation for national growth is precisely what the government is aiming for.
According to government officials, Zimbabwe is experiencing a period of increasing innovation, which is precisely based on information technology. It is envisioned that in the future, everyone in Zimbabwe, from Beitbridge to Nyamapanda, will have access to digital opportunities. It is planned that by 2030, 80% of Zimbabweans will have access to the internet, which will be of high quality and speed. According to government officials, digital highways are as crucial as physical roads—they are the foundation of a new Zimbabwean philosophy of life.
Local experts believe that the development of the Internet and mobile technologies will favor the entertainment industry. This trend can already be traced now. This applies not only to the ability to watch movies online or buy subscriptions to streaming services, but also to gambling. Thus, young Zimbabweans already have access to betting platforms where they place bets on different sports. Most often, cricket dominates, which can easily be explained by the growth of the Indian diaspora. Relative simplicity also plays a role—to start betting on cricket, you only need to download one of the to your device and register.
For some sectors of a country’s economy, ICTs are particularly important—this is the case, for example, in agriculture, where both incomes and yields are increasing. Telemedicine allows people who live in remote regions to receive quality medical services. Equally important are e-learning platforms—young people across the country have the opportunity to get a truly quality education.
Equipping young people with digital skills is an essential focus of the Zimbabwean government. It is expected that within the next five to ten years, all jobs will require digital skills. Consequently, young people must be prepared for this. The relevant program will be rolled out across the entire country—the initiative will cover regions such as Mbare, Glen View, Gokwe, and more remote areas. No one will be left behind.
The program is expected to train over 150,000 young people. Such an initiative is an opportunity for local youth to change their lives. Zimbabwe’s quest for a digitally inclusive society is gaining momentum, and training young people in digital skills is part of that process.
Online Reporter