Karoi, Zimbabwe – The “Digitalize Zimbabwe” project took off at Ok Supermarket in Karoi town with much excitement and anticipation.
Among the notable attendees were Honorable Marian Chombo, the Mashonaland West Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and Richard Ziki, the Member of Parliament for Hurungwe.
This ambitious initiative is backed by a wide array of organizations, including PowerTel, PRAZ, the Judiciary, ZUPCO, the Ministry of Health, Chinhoyi University, the Immigration Department, Chemplex, TSCZ, the Deeds Office, the Ministry of Energy, CP Chemicals, Zimpost, Econet, Netone, Telone, and many more.
Telone Employees(image source (Takudzwa Karowangoro)
Earlier last month, President Mnangagwa launched three crucial ICT policies the reviewed National ICT Policy, the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, and the National Broadband Plan at Somabhula Secondary School in the Vungu area, just outside Gweru. The President also commissioned the second phase of the fiber optic backbone network spearheaded by Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS) Group Limited in Africa.
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Addressing players in the ICT industry, Somabhula villagers, investors, and senior Government officials at Somabhula Secondary School, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for Zimbabwe to harness the 4th Industrial Revolution to leapfrog its development towards upper-middle-class status by 2030.
Econet Employees(image source Takudzwa Karowangoro)
“The fact that we are launching these important policies and the fiber optic backbone network here in Somabhula demonstrates that the Second Republic is walking the talk and committed to realizing development that leaves no one and no place behind,” said President Mnangagwa. “The policies we are launching today are in line with our National Development Strategy, where we aim to make sure that all our communities have access to affordable, fast, and safe digital technologies. This has become important as societies and economies are now very dependent on ICTs.”
Honorable Chombo echoed this sentiment at the Karoi launch, stating, “Mashonaland West is not being left behind in Vision 2030. We’re building Zimbabwe brick by brick, ensuring no place is overlooked in our mission to enhance Information Communications and Technology. Our vibrant and peaceful province is key to this progress.”
Young Women For ED Karoi Dance Group(Takudzwa Karowangoro)
She emphasized how ICT has transformed communication technologies, creating positive impacts on Zimbabwe’s social, political, and economic landscapes. “Our goal in Mashonaland West is to continually benefit from ICT advancements, fostering development, attracting investments, and creating business opportunities.”
Chombo also highlighted the urgent need for improved network access in rural areas. “In Mash West, there are still places without network access, mobile, or internet connectivity. Minister Mavetera, we need to bridge this gap in communication and technology,” she appealed.
Dr. Mavetera, speaking about the Presidential internet connectivity program “Masai Sai Kumunhu Wese,” underscored the importance of connectivity in today’s society. “Our goal is to offer free internet access to ensure every Zimbabwean can join the digital world. We plan to provide free internet hotspots across both rural and urban areas.”
Pascal Kwaramba-Chombo-Minister Mavetera(Image Source Takudzwa Karowangoro)
She continued, “The Digitalize Zimbabwe initiative is set to empower people and drive economic growth. This represents a significant leap forward.
