By Rumbidzai Rudanda
Rural schools across Zimbabwe are poised to take a giant leap into the digital age following the launch of the Presidential Internet Scheme, a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding access to digital tools and high-speed internet.
The programme was officially launched recently in Manicaland by the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon Tatenda Mavetera. With the goal of bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, the scheme promises to deliver internet kits and computer gadgets to schools in remote regions — starting with Chitora Secondary School in Mutare South, which is set to receive ten computers and a full internet connectivity package.
The launch ceremony, held at Munyoro Secondary School in Chimanimani West, marked a milestone in the government’s push to ensure equal digital opportunities for learners across all provinces. The initiative is anchored in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of an inclusive, digitally connected Zimbabwe.
Through equipping rural schools with computers and connectivity, the scheme opens doors for students to access online learning platforms, educational content, and essential ICT skills — tools that are increasingly vital in today’s digital economy.
The Ministry of ICT has partnered with multiple stakeholders to roll out the programme to all of Zimbabwe’s administrative wards. Rural post offices will be transformed into community information hubs, serving as access points for digital services including e-Government platforms, online education, agri-tech, and business tools.
Beyond schools, the Presidential Internet Scheme signals a broader commitment to digital inclusion — ensuring that connectivity and opportunity are not limited by geography. As more rural communities go online, Zimbabwe edges closer to a future where every learner, regardless of location, has the tools to thrive in a digital world.
