Harare, Zimbabwe – In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing Zimbabwe’s digital transformation, the government has launched the Digital Skills Ambassadors Program in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Huawei’s DigiTruck initiative. The launch, held under the esteemed presence of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, marks a significant step in equipping citizens with critical digital skills.

The president shared his excitement on this initiative saying,

“I have launched the Digital Skills Ambassador Programme to accelerate digital literacy as Zimbabwe moves towards a digital economy by 2030. This initiative, supported by China and the UAE, will empower communities with vital digital skills. Let’s embrace technology for progress!” wrote H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Minister of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services (ICTPCS), Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, expressed her excitement about the program’s potential to revolutionize Zimbabwe’s tech landscape.

“Yesterday was the historic launch of the Digital Skills Ambassadors Program in partnership with the UAE government and through Huawei’s transformative DigiTruck initiative, among many other platforms,” she said.

The program aims to train 1.5 million coders within the next three years, focusing on areas such as programming, artificial intelligence (AI), data science fundamentals, and Android app development. Training will be conducted through mobile digital classrooms, virtual learning platforms like UDACITY, and soon-to-be-renamed digital centers (formerly Community Information Centers – CICs).

Hon. Mavetera emphasized that the initiative will ensure digital skills reach the village level, with Digital Ambassadors playing a crucial role in grassroots implementation.

“We will be training participants in programming, AI, data science fundamentals, and Android app development. Our digital ambassadors will ensure we devolve digital skills to the village level,” she said.

The launch is part of a broader national digital transformation strategy, aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth while ensuring no one and no place is left behind in Zimbabwe’s digital evolution.

The initiative has received widespread support from stakeholders, with Minister Mavetera extending gratitude to all partners involved.

“We are extremely grateful to all our stakeholders. We commit to enhanced digital transformation that leaves no one and place behind!” she concluded.

This milestone signals Zimbabwe’s commitment to embracing the digital economy, fostering youth empowerment, and positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s tech-driven future.