Zimbabwe expands connectivity and digital skills programme in Mashonaland East
Date: 2026-02-23
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Zimbabwe’s
Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services,
Tatenda Mavetera, has announced new measures aimed at expanding digital access
and skills development in Mashonaland East Province as part of National Youth
Day activities.
According
to the minister, the Ministry of ICTPCS renovated and fully equipped ICT
laboratories at Igava Primary and Secondary Schools, providing high-end laptops
and WiFi access points to support teaching and learning. The initiative forms
part of a broader provincial programme targeting the establishment of 10
computer laboratories to strengthen digital learning infrastructure.
The
ministry also confirmed the establishment of 40 free public WiFi hotspots
across the province, with deployment ongoing. In addition, Starlink
connectivity kits are being rolled out to at least five schools in every
constituency, a move intended to improve internet access in underserved and
remote communities.
Madam
Mavetera said the programme prioritises both infrastructure and human capital
development, noting that 3,452 students have been trained in digital skills.
The training is designed to equip young people with competencies aligned with
emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The
developments align with the government’s policy objective of reducing the
digital divide and improving equitable access to technology-enabled services
across Zimbabwe. Officials indicated that connectivity expansion and digital
literacy remain central pillars of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
