The equipment was officially handed over on January 21 by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera stated that the initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide, providing students with affordable and reliable internet access to enhance digital learning and prepare them for participation in the global digital economy.
The government’s effort aligns with the ongoing GIGA project, a joint initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF, which aims to connect all schools worldwide to the internet. As of March 2025, around 3,500 of Zimbabwe’s 7,000 schools are already connected through this program, with continued efforts to identify cost-effective solutions for the remaining schools.
While the initiative is widely supported, questions remain about the implementation, including the availability of necessary devices like computers and tablets, teachers’ digital skills, electricity access, relevant digital educational content, and the sustainability of Starlink’s subscription-based model. Nonetheless, the project represents a significant step toward modernizing Zimbabwe’s education sector and promoting inclusive digital access.
