Bulawayo, (New Ziana) –The future of Zimbabwe will be forged by a generation of young innovators equipped with cutting-edge skills, robust support, and the right tools and not be left to chance, an official has said.
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dingimuzi Phuti said this on Friday at the ongoing World Robot Olympiad (WRO) national finals being held in the country’s second largest city. He reiterated government commitment to fostering an enabling environment for technological advancement.
This year the WRO Zimbabwe National Finals attracted 53 teams from all 10 provinces, a milestone that organisers hailed as a testament to the growing embrace of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Over 400 students and educators competed across elementary, junior, and senior categories, designing robots to tackle real-world challenges.
Non-profit organisation, The Girls in Stem Trust, which was formed in October 2018 to support a vibrant generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs in Stem is spearheading the initiative.
“Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation and technological growth,” Phuti said.
To accelerate the vision, Puthi outlined plans to expand ICT infrastructure, enhance training programs, and implement policies ensuring inclusive access to digital services.
“We call on all stakeholders, educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector to join hands with us in this vital national mission,” he said.
He praised collaborations and strategic partnerships with organisations like Girls in STEM and highlighted the Ministry’s push for gender equality in technology development.
“Through this competition, we are prepared to drive inclusion and digital equity among learners and educators alike,” he added.
Phuti described the Olympiad as more than a technical showcase, but a breeding ground for critical thinking, collaboration, and future-ready learning.
“Each robot developed here, each problem solved, speaks to a future Zimbabwe that is innovative, resilient, and globally competitive,” he said.
He said such events are pivotal to national development, equipping youth with skills to propel Zimbabwe towards its vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030.
“Our growth and prosperity will depend on how effectively we harness science, technology, and innovation,” he said.
Phuti also spoke about government efforts to embed technology in education and industry, citing the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and its successor, NDS2, which prioritises innovation hubs, tech entrepreneurship, and curriculum integration.
“Our landmark achievement as a government is the inclusion of robotics and coding in the national school curriculum. This move is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
He said his Ministry has been actively driving the national transition toward a digital economy through targeted programs and policies. Phuti announced plans to train 2.5 million Zimbabweans in digital skills, with special emphasis on closing gender gaps in technology.
New Ziana
