
Smart Zimbabwe 2030: A Bold Digital Vision for National Transformation 🌐
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Zimbabwean authorities have approved an ambitious program to bring Internet access to the country’s 2,400 administrative districts by 2030. The project aims to strengthen the foundations of smart governance, promote digital education, and modernize public services.
Launch set for june 2025, with priority given to remote areas 🚀
The program is scheduled to begin in June 2025, initially targeting regions that remain unconnected. The goal is to deploy modern infrastructure, including fiber optics and low-Earth orbit satellites. Schools, health centers, police stations, courts, agricultural offices, traditional leaders’ residences, and economic growth hubs will be among the primary beneficiaries.
This program is also part of the “digital economy” pillar of the National Development Plan 1 (NDP1). Through the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, the government aims to fully integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) across all sectors of society.
“The goal is to foster rapid and sustainable socio-economic development by using ICTs as a central lever,” explained Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Weak digital indicators, but strong political will 📉
Currently, Zimbabwe’s digital performance indicators remain low. The country ranks 149th out of 193 in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a 2024 score of 0.4481—well below the global average of 0.6382.
One of the key challenges is underdeveloped telecom infrastructure, a major barrier to accessing digital services. The Internet penetration rate stands at just 32.6%, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighting a significant digital divide.
To address this, the government plans to introduce free public Wi-Fi zones. However, their impact will largely depend on strategic placement and the ability of local populations to access them with compatible devices.
A bold bet on the country’s digital future 💡
Zimbabwe is striving to build an environment conducive to innovation, digital learning, smart agriculture, and paperless public services. If successful, this digital transformation could reshape communities and place the country among Africa’s most ambitious digital pioneers—committed to equitable connectivity.
What Do You Think ??
Do you believe this kind of project can really help close the digital divide?
Tell us in the comments! 😁
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