Zimbabwe’s Presidential Internet Scheme aims to bridge the digital divide and expand opportunities for youth through education, economic empowerment, and tech innovation, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Zimbabwe has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of a nationwide Presidential Internet Scheme, coupled with an ambitious initiative to train 1.5 million coders.
The Presidential Internet Scheme seeks to address these challenges head-on. It plans to provide reliable broadband coverage across all 2,400 administrative wards by leveraging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology and fibre optic infrastructure.
The launch administered by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services signifies a strong commitment to leapfrogging into the digital age, addressing critical gaps in connectivity and digital literacy that have long hindered the nation’s progress.
“This is the gap that we want to fill with the Presidential Internet Scheme that will see us connecting all marginalised areas using Low-Earth Orbit satellites and all fibre technology.” As quoted by a local news daily, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatendea Mavetera said on the sidelines of the launch.
The rollout is set to begin in June 2025, with phased implementation continuing through 2030. Authorities have pledged regular progress reviews to ensure the project keeps pace with technological advancements.
DataReportal estimates that currently 32.6% to 38.4% of Zimbabwe’s population are unique internet users, offering a clearer view of actual individual access.
Understanding Zimbabwe’s socio-economic backdrop is essential to appreciating the potential impact of its new Presidential Internet Scheme.
Despite steady growth in digital access, internet penetration was just 38.4% at the start of 2025, leaving a large segment of the population—especially in rural areas—offline. This digital divide has widened existing inequalities, limiting access to information, education, financial services, and e-commerce opportunities.
Several factors have contributed to this gap. High data costs, poor infrastructure, and frequent power outages have made reliable internet access a luxury for many.
These challenges are particularly pronounced in remote regions where connectivity is sparse or non-existent. The lack of access has had cascading effects—most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote learning exposed the harsh reality that many students, especially from low-income and rural families, were being left behind.
Economically, Zimbabwe has faced years of instability, affecting job opportunities and livelihood options.
In this context, digital inclusion can act as a powerful equalizer. With access to the internet, people can acquire skills, connect with global markets, and tap into new income streams.
This is especially important for youth, who can benefit from exposure to digital tools, coding skills, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the tech space.
The initiative prioritises connectivity for essential institutions such as schools, clinics, agricultural extension offices, and community centres—key entry points for public services and economic activity.
A standout feature of the initiative is its ambition to train 1.5 million coders. This move aims to shift Zimbabwe from being merely consumers of digital content to becoming creators and innovators. Coding skills are increasingly in demand worldwide, and equipping the population with these capabilities could unlock job opportunities and stimulate local tech innovation. This could also lead to the emergence of startups developing solutions tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique challenges.
The potential benefits of this initiative are vast. Enhanced internet access can transform education through e-learning, broaden access to healthcare via telemedicine, and improve agricultural productivity by delivering market data and best practices to farmers. Additionally, improved connectivity can empower communities, foster civic engagement, and drive inclusion in the digital economy.
However, success will depend on ensuring affordability, building sustainable infrastructure, and addressing power supply issues—especially in underserved areas. Drawing lessons from earlier efforts, like Community Information Centres, it will be critical to ensure infrastructure is not only installed but actively used and maintained.
Zimbabwe’s determined efforts in bridging the digital divide offer a powerful source of inspiration for other African nations striving for a more inclusive, connected, and economically resilient future.
