EARLIER THIS WEEK… Zimbabwe Launched National Digital Ambassadors Programme to Bridge Digital Divide and Empower Youth By Takasununguka Ziki FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCpLzu2f3EBYPSgI93M 19 February, 2025 | Zim Global Media News 🗞️ Harare – His Excellency, the President Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, earlier this week officially launched the National Digital Ambassadors Programme in Harare. The initiative, which seeks to equip Zimbabwean youth with cutting-edge digital skills, is part of the government’s broader strategy to foster economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity through digital transformation. The launch event, held on the 19th of February 2025, was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Vice Presidents Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Hon. Col. (Rtd) Cde. K. C. D. Mohadi, as well as representatives from international partners such as the People’s Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates. The programme is a key component of Zimbabwe’s National Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1, which prioritize digitalization and ICT as critical enablers of sustainable development. In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of digital transformation in driving economic growth and job creation. He highlighted that Africa’s digital agenda is intrinsically linked to the availability and use of digital technologies, which are essential for innovation, inclusion, and national development. “Our country’s National Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 embed digitalization and Information Communication Technology as enabling tools for the promotion of a digital economy, sustainable development, and overall growth,” said President Mnangagwa. “To guarantee that these goals are met, my Administration has made deliberate decisions to front-load ICT, science, and technology skills access.” The President added. The President noted that the government’s efforts to promote digital literacy extend beyond higher education institutions, reaching pre- and primary school levels to ensure that the next generation is well-prepared for the digital future. The National Digital Ambassadors Programme is designed to empower Zimbabwe’s youth by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy. The initiative will deploy 100 digital ambassadors in each province, tasked with delivering strategic and inclusive digital literacy training across the country, particularly in marginalized communities. “This is a transformative initiative designed to leap-forward our nation into digital excellence and inclusivity, where every community is empowered to thrive in the global digital economy,” said President Mnangagwa. “These tech-savvy ambassadors will serve as accelerators for the uptake of digital literacy, fostering innovation, and supporting local businesses, schools, and households in harnessing technology for development.” He added. The programme is set to bridge the rural-urban digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey. By equipping young Zimbabweans with ICT skills, the government aims to create a generation of digital leaders who can drive innovation and economic growth in their communities. The launch of the National Digital Ambassadors Programme was made possible through the support of international partners, including the People’s Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates. President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude for the strong relationships and partnerships that have been established under Zimbabwe’s Engagement and Re-engagement Programme, which seeks to foster cooperation with nations around the world. “On behalf of the people and Government of Zimbabwe, I express my profound gratitude for the excellent relations and partnerships that exist with the People’s Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates, who have partnered with us on this noble initiative,” said President Mnangagwa. “These are the fruits of our Engagement and Re-engagement Programme and our mantra, ‘Friend to all and Enemy to None.’” The President implored. In addition to international support, the programme has received significant backing from Huawei Technologies, which donated a state-of-the-art mobile vehicle, the Digi-Truck, to facilitate ICT training in remote areas. The Digi-Truck will traverse Zimbabwe’s provinces, delivering digital literacy training to the most marginalized communities. “The Digi-Truck will play a pivotal role in enabling our citizens to be digitally literate and access online services,” said President Mnangagwa. “This vehicle will traverse our provinces, delivering ICT training to the most remote areas, ensuring that geography and distance never limit opportunity.” He added. President Mnangagwa also called upon traditional leaders to play a leading role in the deployment and responsible use of technology in their communities. As custodians of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, traditional leaders were urged to rally their communities to leverage the National Digital Ambassadors Programme and the Presidential Internet Scheme to preserve and promote the nation’s culture, values, and norms. “As custodians of our rich national heritage, I call upon our Traditional Leaders to rally communities to leverage the National Digital Ambassadors Programme and Presidential Internet Scheme to safeguard, preserve, and promote our culture, values, and norms,” said President Mnangagwa. “Communities across the country are called upon to use ICTs and related applications responsibly.” The President emphasized that new technologies should foster social cohesion, unity, peace, love, and harmony, ultimately leading to a productive and connected digital society. He warned against the misuse of technology to fuel divisions, stating that those who engage in such activities would be punished. The launch of the National Digital Ambassadors Programme comes at a time when the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, with concepts such as e-learning and e-commerce gaining traction. President Mnangagwa highlighted the urgent need for e-services in government ministries, departments, and agencies, noting that significant progress has already been made in sectors such as justice, civil registration, and immigration. “My Government has embarked on programmes and projects to promote the delivery of quality digital services, with noticeable progress in sectors such as justice, vital civil registration, and immigration,” said President Mnangagwa. “While more efforts are being made, I challenge all our people to have the requisite digital skills to interface with e-Government services at various levels.” The President said. To complement the National Digital Ambassadors Programme, the government will also launch the Presidential Internet Programme, which will deploy Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services to bring high-speed internet to marginalized communities. This initiative will empower farmers, entrepreneurs, and other users by providing them with access to digital tools and resources. In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa urged the young Digital Ambassadors to be patriotic and focused drivers of transformation. He encouraged them to embrace the opportunities provided by the programme and to become architects and implementers of Zimbabwe’s national development programmes. “To the young Digital Ambassadors here today, I urge you all to be patriotic and focused drivers of transformation as well as sustainable socio-economic development of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa. “Embrace this and other opportunities being facilitated by my Administration to become masters of your destinies as architects and implementers of our national development programmes.” The President concluded by reiterating the importance of preparing for the future in an ever-evolving global environment. He expressed confidence that, through unity, resilience, and innovation, Zimbabwe would achieve its Vision 2030 goals. “In conclusion, let me reiterate that in the face of the ever-evolving global environment, we must always remember that the future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said President Mnangagwa. “I am confident that together, and inspired by our unwavering and hardworking ethic, we will attain Vision 2030.” With the launch of the National Digital Ambassadors Programme, Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards realizing its digital transformation goals. The initiative promises to empower the nation’s youth, bridge the digital divide, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all Zimbabweans. ——————————————— Zim Global Media News 🗞️ an Afrocentric Voice https://www.zimglobalmedia.co.zw ———————————————