Zimbabwe has taken a bold step towards a digitally inclusive future with the launch of the National Digital Ambassadors Program and the unveiling of Huawei’s state-of-the-art Mobile Digital Truck. At the event, Minister of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services, Hon. T. A. Mavetera, emphasized that these initiatives align with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which recognize the digital economy as a key driver of sustainable growth.
The National Digital Ambassadors Program aims to equip 1.5 million Zimbabweans, particularly the youth, with essential digital skills in cybersecurity, e-commerce, and ICT literacy. By empowering young people as Digital Ambassadors, the initiative will ensure widespread knowledge-sharing, enabling communities across the country to harness the benefits of the digital revolution.
A significant highlight of the event was the handover of the Huawei Digi-Truck, a mobile smart laboratory designed to bring digital skills training to underserved communities. The solar-powered unit can operate for three days without recharging, accommodating 20 students and an instructor, and providing internet-enabled learning experiences. This innovation is set to bridge the digital divide, ensuring no community is left behind.
Minister Mavetera acknowledged the invaluable support of international partners such as Huawei, the United Arab Emirates, and China, whose contributions have propelled Zimbabwe’s digital transformation efforts. Through economic diplomacy spearheaded by His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has secured investments that have expanded internet penetration from 50.8% in 2017 to over 78% in 2024.
With ongoing collaborations, including the UAE-backed Zimbabwe Digital Skills Program, citizens will have access to free training in programming, data science, and artificial intelligence, further strengthening the nation’s digital economy.
As Zimbabwe moves forward, the Digital Ambassadors Program and Huawei’s Digi-Truck stand as testaments to the government’s commitment to technological advancement and economic empowerment. By prioritizing digital literacy, Zimbabwe is laying the foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive national development.
