Mavetera Shifts ICT Ministry Focus from Policy to Service Delivery

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera says the Ministry is shifting its focus from policy formulation to practical service delivery, with digital hubs and artificial intelligence initiatives expected to expand access to technology across Zimbabwe.

Responding to the Portfolio Committee on ICT, Postal and Courier Services report at the 2027 National Pre-Budget Seminar at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, Mavetera highlighted the commissioning of the Jiti School Digital Hub, the launch of a digital hub at Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre in Nembudziya and the introduction of Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as key milestones.

“Our work is to move from policies into services, and also making sure that we deliver to various institutions,” said Mavetera.

The Jiti School Digital Hub is the first of 500 digital hubs planned for establishment over three years, under an initiative intended to widen access to digital services and help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with relevant Government ministries to ensure that schools and other institutions benefit from improved access to technology.

“What we have done is that we have commissioned the Jiti School, and this is one of the sites that we have that are going to be joined in the next three years,” said Mavetera.

The Minister said the initiative was being undertaken with the Ministry responsible for primary and secondary education to improve access to digital services across the country.

“This is an initiative that we are working together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to make sure that, in line with us making sure that we deliver access to these services, we want to make sure that we have got more access across the whole country,” she said.

The launch of the digital hub at Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre in Nembudziya further demonstrates the Government’s efforts to extend digital infrastructure beyond major urban centres and into communities where access to technology remains limited.

Mavetera also cited the launch of Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as another important development in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The strategy is expected to provide direction for the adoption of artificial intelligence across different sectors, supporting innovation and improving service delivery.

The digital hub programme forms part of broader efforts to expand digital inclusion, strengthen technology skills and ensure that more Zimbabweans can participate in the growing digital economy.

The planned rollout of 500 hubs over three years will be a key test of the Government’s ability to translate ICT policies into accessible services for communities nationwide.