Thousands of young women and girls from across the Matabeleland provinces have gathered at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) for the national commemorations of International Girls in ICT Day 2026, amid growing calls for increased female participation in Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
The event, running under the global theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” is being spearheaded by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in partnership with Elevate Trust and various technology sector stakeholders.
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, is expected to preside over the celebrations, underscoring the government’s commitment to driving an inclusive digital agenda.
Moving from Consumers to Creators
The primary objective of this year’s commemoration is to bridge the stubborn gender gap in the local tech ecosystem. Organizers emphasized that for Zimbabwe to achieve its broader digital transformation goals, young women must transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming active creators of digital solutions.
“We need to create platforms where young women can engage with industry experts, gain confidence, and learn how technology can be used to solve real-world challenges in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and engineering,” the organizers noted.
International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated globally to encourage and empower girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in the rapidly growing field of ICTs. As emerging technologies like AI begin to redefine industries, Zimbabwe’s proactive approach at NUST signals a calculated effort to ensure the next generation of female leaders is not left behind.
