Minister Mavetera Outlines Roadmap for a Smart, Inclusive, and Sustainable Digital Zimbabwe

The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, has urged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to continue advancing inclusive digital transformation initiatives that ensure all citizens benefit from the country’s technological progress.

Speaking during the POTRAZ Strategy Formulation Workshop held in Mutare, the Minister emphasized that the agency’s new strategic direction must be centered on empowering citizens—from rural entrepreneurs to young innovators—while ensuring no one is left behind on Zimbabwe’s road to Vision 2030. The workshop focused on aligning the regulator’s programs with national development goals, particularly in extending connectivity, digital literacy, and innovation-driven growth.

POTRAZ’s ongoing initiatives were highlighted as key enablers of Zimbabwe’s digital agenda. The Universal Services Fund has expanded digital infrastructure to remote areas, improving connectivity and access to opportunities for communities previously excluded from the digital economy. Upgraded Community Information Centres have been transformed into active hubs for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while programs such as the Innovation Drive have empowered young innovators to transition into business owners. The ICTs for Persons with Disabilities initiative has also been instrumental in ensuring equal participation in the digital ecosystem.

The Minister noted that government support for schools and clinics through ICT resources has strengthened e-learning and e-health services, directly improving access to education, healthcare, and public services.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2030 strategic cycle, the Minister outlined eight key priorities for POTRAZ’s new roadmap. These include transforming digital centres into innovation hubs, expanding digital literacy programs to marginalized groups, prioritizing local innovation through the National Innovation Acceleration Centre (NIAC), and strengthening data protection and cybersecurity frameworks. The agenda also emphasizes accelerating e-government services, promoting green ICT solutions such as solar-powered infrastructure, fostering stronger collaboration with industry and academia, and preparing the nation to harness emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and 5G.

The Ministry reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s digital future will be built on inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. The next phase of POTRAZ’s strategy aims to position the country as a regional leader in digital innovation, ensuring that technology becomes a driver of economic growth and social equity in line with Vision 2030.