Mnangagwa launches Zimbabwe digital skills training programme

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping 1.5 million young Zimbabweans with essential digital skills to thrive in the modern economy. The programme was unveiled during National Youth Day celebrations at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo.

Developed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the initiative will focus on training youth across the country in key digital fields such as software engineering, programming, and data science. Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to the UAE for its support and underscored the importance of digital literacy in today's fast-evolving technological landscape.

"In this digital age, you must be equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the complex global ecosystem. The rapid application of Artificial Intelligence entails that we must adapt to the fast-changing world by capacitating ourselves, sector by sector, with the requisite digital proficiencies and capabilities," he stated.

The President encouraged young people to embrace technology and use it as a tool for innovation and economic empowerment. He challenged them to develop their entrepreneurial skills to create new job opportunities.

"I challenge you, our young people, to harness the transformative power of technology, innovate, and unleash your enthusiasm as well as entrepreneurship skills towards creating wealth and job opportunities, while contributing to the growth of our economy," he said.

The programme will focus on three key areas: Programming Fundamentals, Data Science Fundamentals, and Android Developer Fundamentals. These skills are expected to improve employability, encourage innovation, and contribute to Zimbabwe's economic development.

President Mnangagwa also highlighted the programme's potential to spur the growth of local technology start-ups, positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

"The programme encourages innovation and creativity as well as entrepreneurship through the development of local tech solutions and start-ups. This must enhance the country's competitiveness in the global market," he noted.

He commended young Zimbabweans for their entrepreneurial drive and urged government ministries and agencies to support youth-led enterprises.

"I commend our youth for their entrepreneurial culture across various sectors of the economy. Ministries, departments, and agencies are directed to develop programmes which ensure that our youth enterprises graduate into large businesses," he added.

The President further called on the private sector, the Youth Empower Bank, and development partners to work together in promoting business linkages and supporting youth-driven initiatives.

Speaking at the same event, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said the ministry was prioritising digital skills training as a key driver for youth empowerment.

"In today's digital age, digital literacy is crucial for empowering young people to access education, employment, and economic opportunities. The ministry continues to prioritise digital literacy and skills development, ensuring our young people are well-equipped to thrive in the increasingly interconnected world," he said.

With Zimbabwe striving to establish itself as a digital economy, the launch of the Digital Skills Development Programme marks a significant step towards bridging the digital skills gap and fostering a new generation of tech-savvy professionals. Minister Machakaire emphasized that with the right training and opportunities, young Zimbabweans have the potential to turn the country into a hub of innovation and prosperity.