ICT Ministry, NetOne Partner to Drive Digital Inclusion in Zimbabwe

The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging Zimbabwe’s digital divide, with NetOne stepping up to implement inclusive connectivity projects in line with national policy.

Speaking at an event to officially a NetOne booster in Msala, Gokwe, last Friday, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said access to digital services was no longer a privilege, but a necessity for all citizens.

“Connectivity is no longer a privilege. It is a necessity, as essential as roads, water, or electricity,” said Minister Mavetera.

Through initiatives like the Digitalise Zimbabwe Expo and the work of partners such as NetOne, ICT is being brought to the doorstep of every Zimbabwean, ensuring no community is left behind.”

Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, praised the Ministry for prioritising underserved areas.

“Today, Msala is not just a village on the map. It is on the digital highway. This partnership between the Ministry of ICT and NetOne demonstrates that when national vision is backed by decisive action, entire communities are uplifted,” he said.

In his remarks, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani said the state-owned operator was committed to transforming policy into real impact.

“We take pride in answering the Ministry’s call to action. This development is not just about infrastructure, it is about empowerment, dignity, and opportunity. NetOne does not only connect phones; we connect lives, families, and futures,” he said.

Under the programme, NetOne has donated computers to rural schools, installed solar-powered boreholes, and set up drip irrigation systems and nutritional gardens. Mushanawani noted the importance of integrating technology with everyday needs, remarking: “Data bundles are important, but sadza is more important. By addressing both, we ensure that technology empowers lives in a holistic way.”

The Ministry also launched the Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving ICT Expo, an ambitious programme targeting the training of 1.5 million coders, deployment of digitrucks to remote communities, expansion of Wi-Fi zones, and the establishment of Digital Ambassadors nationwide.

Officials said the event was more than the commissioning of infrastructure — it was the practical implementation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (a nation is built by its citizens).

From farmers accessing market prices online to students engaging with digital libraries and health workers using telemedicine, authorities said the initiative demonstrated how public-private collaboration can transform communities.

NetOne pledged to continue aligning its operations with government priorities to ensure no Zimbabwean is excluded from the digital economy as the country advances towards Vision 2030.

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