Story by Elroi Ngara
THE Government of Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide digital skills training programme targeting 1.5 million young people, in a bid to empower the youth and accelerate the country’s transformation into a digital economy.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), marks a significant leap in youth empowerment and technological advancement.
The programme aims to equip young Zimbabweans with advanced digital competencies, such as programming, software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity to enhance their employability and enable participation in the global digital economy.
“The training of digital skills for 1.5 million Zimbabwean coders is a milestone for the Zimbabwean government. I believe that the whole of government approach through partnerships between the Ministry of Skills, Audit and Development and the Ministry of ICTs, Postal and Courier Services, signifies the importance and the value that President Emerson Mnangagwa attaches to the development of a digital economy,” the Deputy Director Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Mr Justin Mahlahla said.
Previously, POTRAZ had focused on delivering basic computer literacy. However, this new programme represents a leap forward by incorporating in-demand skills like coding, which offers real opportunities for young people to monetise their talents and build sustainable careers.
“We believe that with this type of programme, our youth will be gainfully employed, and properly empowered. As POTRAZ, we are behind that, we are supporting it because we have been in the space,” POTRAZ’s Director General Dr Gift Machengete noted.
The programme also aims to impart cyber-security, software engineering, programming, and data science skills in youths.
“This programme is not just an educational initiative, it is a crucial step towards realising our collective dream of a prosperous, inclusive and technologically advanced nation. The Zimbabwe Digital Skills Programme, which is aimed to train 1.5 million coders, is an essential skill such as data science fundamentals, programming fundamentals, Android Kotlin developer fundamentals and AI fundamentals. This ambitious target reflects our commitment to empowering our youth with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Honourable Tatenda Mavetera said.
The Zimbabwean government is actively supporting young people through various empowerment initiatives.
Additionally, the government has established facilities like the Tech Innovation Hub, providing a platform for young innovators to develop and showcase their ideas.
Events like hackathons and coding competitions are also being organised to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, among youths.
