Zimbabwe targets 100% digital literacy by 2028

Government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 percent digital literacy within the next two years as part of its broader push to transform Zimbabwe into a technology-driven, innovation-led economy aligned with Vision 2030.

Speaking at the third edition of the Evolve ICT Summit in Harare, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said several programmes were being rolled out to ensure all citizens are equipped with digital skills needed to participate in the evolving digital economy.

She said Government, in partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders, plans to train 200 000 people in digital literacy within the next three months, while also working towards producing 1.5 million coders nationwide.

"Digital literacy is a must and our President has given us an ambitious target to reach 100 percent digital literacy by 2028," she said.

Minister Mavetera added that digital transformation had become a necessity rather than an option, stressing that Government was prioritising inclusive access to digital services to ensure that no community is left behind.

She said a nationwide broadband mapping exercise was currently underway to identify underserved areas and guide investment in connectivity infrastructure.

"We need to make sure that connectivity is accessible and affordable to the people so that we will be able to achieve a digital Zimbabwe," she said.

Evolve ICT Summit founder Edward Nyamuda also urged African countries to take ownership of their digital future by developing home-grown solutions tailored to local challenges.

"We must move from being data donors to being model owners. African data must train African models for African problems," he said.