By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Zimbabwe has launched a
drone delivery system operated by Zimpost as part of efforts to expand postal
services and strengthen service delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
The launch was announced by
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera, who delivered
the keynote address at the World Post Day 2026 commemorations held at Bambadzi
Growth Point in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, under the theme “One
postal network, infinite possibilities.”
Mavetera said Zimpost was
now using drone technology to deliver parcels, expanding its reach and
demonstrating how innovation could strengthen service delivery, especially in
hard-to-reach areas.
World Post Day, observed on
9 October, marks the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874. Mavetera
said the day serves as a reminder that the postal network must serve real
communities, where a parcel can support a small business and a connected post
office can help learners, farmers and the elderly access essential services.
As part of efforts to
improve connectivity in border areas, the government also commissioned the
Maitengwe Border Post base station through the Universal Service Fund, in line
with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s directive to connect border communities.
“We do not want our border
areas to import connectivity,” Mavetera said, adding that NetOne and Econet
were now present and providing services at the border post.
The commemorations also
included the handover of 100 computers to 10 schools, alongside 10 Starlink
kits for each of the 10 schools. The investment is intended to support digital
learning and help bridge the connectivity gap for learners.
Three schools that emerged
as national winners in the letter-writing competition were also celebrated.
Mavetera said their achievement reflected the enduring value of written
expression and the important role of the post in education.
“The postal network belongs
to every community. We will continue working to make it deliver,” Mavetera
said.
