Zimbabwe commissions ICT laboratory to expand digital access in rural schools

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

Zimbabwe has taken a step toward expanding digital inclusion in education with the commissioning of a new ICT laboratory at Mahetshe Primary School in Matabeleland South Province.

The facility was officially inaugurated in the presence of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, as part of the government’s broader efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

The initiative aims to provide learners with access to modern computing infrastructure and digital learning resources, enabling students in remote areas to benefit from the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts.

As part of the rollout, authorities announced the deployment of 208 Starlink satellite kits across the province to deliver high-speed internet connectivity to schools, addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges in underserved regions.

Officials said the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform the country into an upper middle-income economy through investments in technology, education, and human capital development.

The ICT laboratory is expected to support early digital literacy and equip students with skills relevant to the global digital economy, including software development, data science, and innovation.

Government representatives emphasized that the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme to expand access to digital tools and infrastructure in schools, with the goal of fostering inclusive growth and strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.