• Zimbabwe sets 8 digital goals for 2026-2030 transformation
• Priorities include e-government, AI, 5G, and digital inclusion
• Only 38.4% online; ranks 149th in UN digital development index
  

The Zimbabwean government has outlined its main digital policy priorities for 2026-2030, identifying eight goals to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. Information and Communications Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera presented the framework to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) during a strategy workshop on Monday, November 3.

Mavetera called on POTRAZ to transform existing digital centers across the country into innovation hubs providing internet access, business incubation, and entrepreneurial support. She also emphasized strengthening local innovation through the National Innovation Acceleration Centre (NIAC), which aims to turn homegrown ideas into viable businesses.

At the same time, the government plans to speed up the digitization of public services to improve transparency and efficiency, while enhancing data protection and cybersecurity. Mavetera highlighted the importance of building digital skills among vulnerable groups, women, youth, people with disabilities, and informal-sector workers, to promote broader participation in the digital economy.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe plans to invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and 5G. Other priorities include promoting green ICT solutions and strengthening cooperation among public, private, and academic stakeholders.

These priorities align with the government’s broader vision under the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, which aims to fully integrate ICT across society and all economic sectors to foster rapid, sustainable development.

The plan cites an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) study showing that a 10% increase in a country’s digitalization score raises GDP per capita by 0.75%. It also notes that digital transformation boosts agricultural yields, drives innovation and productivity, and promotes job creation. The World Bank estimates that a 10-point rise in digitalization can reduce unemployment by 1.02%.

Yet Zimbabwe still ranks 149th out of 193 countries in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), scoring 0.4481 out of 1, below the global average of 0.6382. Among the index’s three components, Zimbabwe scored lowest in telecom infrastructure, which tracks access to services such as the internet. According to the ITU, only 38.4% of Zimbabweans were online in 2023.

Isaac K. Kassouwi