NetOne has reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion as the Digitalize Zimbabwe ICT Expo Programme brought its Schools Fair to Mberengwa. The telecommunications operator said it wants learners in rural communities to become creators of technology rather than only consumers.
The speech of NetOne’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Muchechemera, was read on his behalf by Mrs Murove, Head of E-Governance, Business and Special Projects.
“Digital technology is no longer a luxury but an essential tool for education, economic development and national progress,” she said.
She added that children must therefore be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate meaningfully in this digital economy.
The Mberengwa fair is part of the Digitalize Zimbabwe ICT Expo Programme, which is travelling to all ten provinces. It is run by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services in partnership with Mutapa Energy Resources, Video Promotions and NetOne. The programme aims to bring digital awareness and innovation closer to communities, especially schools and young people.
Mrs Murove said ” the Mberengwa event was another important milestone in this national journey.The programme supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to make the country an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society. It also complements the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).”
Under Netone, the company will provide network connectivity, including live streaming capabilities, and onsite technical support. It will also support visibility, exhibitions and branding so that schools, innovators and learners can showcase their work.
Mrs Murove said “We want to see learners across the country moving beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators, innovators and problem-solvers.”
The students were encouraged to explore coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship and software development. Mrs Murove said such exposure can lead to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The teachers were urged to integrate ICT into teaching and learning, as they are at the centre of preparing the next generation for a technology-driven world.
“Do not be afraid of technology. Be curious about it. Ask questions, experiment with new ideas and use digital platforms responsibly,” Mrs Murove told the gathering.
The CEO’s message commended the Ministry and the programme’s partners and called for stronger cooperation among Government, the private sector, schools and communities. As NetOne, our commitment remains clear, to connect people, empower communities and contribute to a digitally enabled Zimbabwe.
