Zimbabwe launches digital skills development programme

In partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Zimbabwean government has launched the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, aimed at equipping 1.5 million young people across the country with essential digital skills.

The initiative was officially unveiled during the National Youth Day celebrations on Friday at Hall 4 of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.

Under the theme “Empower Youth, Secure the Future,” the event underscored the government’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and driving economic growth through youth empowerment.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who officiated at the launch, described the digital skills programme as a transformative effort to improve digital literacy and capabilities among Zimbabwe’s youth, preparing them to meet the demands of the global digital economy.

“Today’s event coincides with the launch of the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme, which we are implementing in partnership with our trusted development partner, the United Arab Emirates,” President Mnangagwa said. “We are profoundly grateful to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for supporting our national development initiatives.”

The programme aims to train 1.5 million young Zimbabweans as software engineers, developers, and programmers.

“This initiative will enhance digital literacy and skills among Zimbabwean citizens, empowering a new generation of professionals who will drive technological innovation,” he continued. “The youth will gain expertise in three key areas: Programming Fundamentals, Data Science Fundamentals, and Android Developer Fundamentals.”

The President highlighted that the programme would improve the employability of young people, foster innovation, and promote entrepreneurship through the creation of local tech solutions and start-ups, boosting the country’s global competitiveness.

He also emphasised the need to adapt to rapid technological advances, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“In this digital era, it is crucial that you equip yourselves with the skills needed to navigate the complex global ecosystem,” President Mnangagwa urged. “The rapid application of AI demands that we keep pace with a fast-evolving world by developing sector-specific digital expertise.”

The President further called on young people to adopt a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.

“The current development era demands that you learn from each other, exchanging knowledge and experiences for the betterment of your communities and nations,” he said. “You alone carry this responsibility.”

Mnangagwa reminded the youth of their critical role in shaping Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s future.

“The prosperity of our region and the continent rests in your hands,” he said. “We, the older generation, played our part in securing independence, freedom, and peace. Now, the responsibility is yours. Together, the youth of Africa can achieve the Africa we want and deserve.”

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire, echoed the President’s message, stressing the importance of digital literacy in empowering youth.

“As we progress in the digital age, it is clear that digital literacy is crucial for young people to access education, employment, and economic opportunities,” Machakaire said. “The Ministry remains committed to prioritising digital literacy and skills development, ensuring that our youth are equipped to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Machakaire also highlighted the government’s efforts to modernise Vocational Training Centres to align them with global trends.

“Our country has vast potential for growth and enterprise development, but to fully realise this, we must ensure that our youth are equipped with the right skills,” he said. “This is why the Ministry is leading the transformation of Vocational Training Centres to offer modern, practical skills that empower youth for both personal and national development.”