By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Doha — Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target to achieve 100 percent digital access for all citizens as patt of Vision 2030, a monumental undertaking designed to transform the country into a fully digitized, inclusive society.
The pledge was reaffirmed by the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, during her address at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar.
Conveying warm greetings from His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, Minister Mavetera outlined a comprehensive national strategy anchored on the President’s vision of a “Digitilized Zimbabwe by 2030,” emphasizing that digital transformation must be inclusive.
“Our ICT policy framework reflects this vision and the ITU’s core priorities of universal connectivity, innovation and sustainable digital transformation,” Minister Mavetera told the global gathering of delegates.
“Zimbabwe has come up with policies that speak to access to connectivity, which is the foundation of our digital transformation journey.”
The Roadmap to Universal Connectivity
To bridge the digital divide and achieve its Vision 2030 target, Zimbabwe is rolling out a series of flagship initiatives designed to reach every corner of the country, including rural and marginalized communities.
Minister Mavetera detailed the bold programmes driving this agenda:
The Presidential Internet Scheme: A high-level initiative aimed at expanding internet access across the nation.
Digital Ambassadors Programme: Deploying trained individuals to help communities embrace digital tools.
Cybersecurity Training: Building a safe and secure digital environment for all users.
Digital Centres Access: Establishing community hubs for digital access and learning.
The 1.5 Million Coders Programme: An aggressive human capital development drive to equip young Zimbabweans with vital programming skills.
Devices for All Initiatives: A dedicated push to ensure every school learner has access to a digital device.
“These are among other priorities,” the Minister noted, highlighting that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution are not confined to urban centers but are felt across the entire nation.
Calls for Global Action
While Zimbabwe pushes forward with its domestic agenda, Minister Mavetera used the Doha platform to call for global outcomes that turn shared ambitions into tangible progress. She urged the international community to advance universal, affordable, meaningful, and secure connectivity.
Furthermore, she called for the harnessing of innovation and emerging technologies—including Artificial Intelligence and space technologies—to support sustainable development.
“We must strengthen multilateral cooperation to address shared challenges such as digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, climate resilience and the responsible governance of emerging technologies,” she said, “while upholding inclusivity, equality among nations and respect for national sovereignty.”
A Model for Inclusive Growth
Zimbabwe’s push for 100% digital access is deeply intertwined with the country’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). By prioritizing connectivity, the government aims to unlock economic opportunities, improve service delivery, and empower communities.
As the world gathers in Doha to shape the digital future, Zimbabwe’s message is clear: a truly connected world must be one where developing nations and their citizens are fully equipped to participate, innovate, and thrive.
For Zimbabwe, the journey to 2030 is no longer just a policy objective—it is a national imperative.
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