Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Government says the recently unveiled Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Presidential Internet Programme and ensure enhanced access to affordable internet by 2030.
Speaking at the Smart Zimbabwe Conference and Expo 2025 in Harare this Friday, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, outlined how the initiative will accelerate the implementation of the Presidential Internet Programme and create meaningful digital access for millions.
“The Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan outlines eight critical pillars, from Smart Government, Agriculture, and Education to Smart Cities and Transport. These are not abstract goals, but they are actionable commitments that guide how we design services, empower citizens, and unlock new markets through digital tools. Our task is to make these pillars real across rural and urban communities, start-ups and corporates, ministries and municipalities,” she said.
The Presidential Internet Scheme aims to establish at least 1 000 internet hubs, particularly focusing on rural and underserved schools and communities.
“We are happy that the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan cuts across all critical pillars of the economy, and especially giving priority to establishing Internet hubs in rural areas is a noble idea that will close the gaps between rural and urban communities,” Head of Academics at Lusitania school, Dr Patricia Gonde said.
“We heard the Minister articulating the government’s policy to open 1000 Internet hubs in rural and urban schools. She also spoke on the eight pillars that the government is targeting to connect with the people- that is, mining, transport, and agriculture. This will transform our digital connectivity,” a representative of Middleport Freight, Mitchel Mutize said.
The event also saw young Zimbabwean innovators recognised for developing smart solutions in sectors such as agriculture, transport, education, and mining.
As Zimbabwe progresses toward Vision 2030, digital connectivity is being positioned as the foundation for inclusive and smart socio-economic transformation.
