Zimbabwe took a significant leap in robotics and artificial intelligence education with the official launch of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe 2025 in Bulawayo on 24 February. The event, officiated by the Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuthi, marked a milestone in the country’s efforts to promote STEM education and digital skills development among young learners.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Phuthi emphasized the importance of technology in driving economic growth and innovation. 

“Our vision is to foster a dynamic and inclusive ICT ecosystem that will enable all Zimbabweans to thrive in a digital world,” he said. 

He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that students across the country have access to opportunities that prepare them for the future of work and industry.

This year’s Olympiad is themed “The Future of Robots”, underscoring the growing role of robotics and artificial intelligence in shaping industries. The competition, organized by Girls in STEM Trust, has expanded to all 10 provinces, enabling more students to participate. The organization, led by Founder Victoria Nxumalo, has been at the forefront of promoting STEM education in Zimbabwe, particularly among girls. 

Nxumalo said, “The future is not something we wait for, it is something we create. Through platforms like WRO, we are equipping Zimbabwean students with the skills to develop innovative, real-world solutions.”

In 2024, Zimbabwe made history when a team of local students participated in the WRO International Finals in Turkey for the first time. This achievement, according to Hon. Phuthi, demonstrated Zimbabwe’s growing presence in the global robotics space. 

“They represented not only Zimbabwe but the entire continent, showcasing the talent and innovation that exists within our young minds,” he said.

The WRO Zimbabwe 2025 launch also introduced two groundbreaking training programs aimed at further strengthening digital education. The ICDL Robotics Module Training, in partnership with the Computer Society of Zimbabwe, will provide foundational robotics skills, while the Google Experience AI Training will equip students with knowledge on integrating artificial intelligence into robotics. 

“These programs are about more than just competition,” Nxumalo explained. She added, “They are about developing real-world problem-solvers who can create Zimbabwean-led innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and industry.”

The event attracted participation from students, educators, and key industry stakeholders, including representatives from Telco, Econet, Educate, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The collaboration between government, private sector, and educational institutions has been instrumental in ensuring the success of WRO Zimbabwe. 

“By working together, we are ensuring that no child, regardless of their gender, location, or background, is left behind in the digital revolution,” said Hon. Phuthi.

Robotics education in Zimbabwe aligns with the country’s Education 5.0 framework, which prioritizes innovation, industrialization, and commercialization of ideas. The competition allows students to apply their knowledge of STEM subjects to develop practical solutions that can be used in real-world industries. 

“Through robotics, students are not just learning to build and code, they are learning to think critically and solve pressing societal challenges,” Nxumalo said.

As the competition unfolds, 90 teams from across the country will showcase their creativity, teamwork, and technical skills. The best teams will have the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the WRO International Finals later in the year. 

“Our goal is to see more Zimbabwean teams on the global stage, proving that we have the talent to compete with the best in the world,” Nxumalo added.

Hon. Phuthi concluded his remarks by urging more stakeholders to support the initiative. 

“Investing in the youth, particularly in robotics and ICT, is a long-term investment in Zimbabwe’s future,” he said. “Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for technology and innovation.”