Zimbabwe is set to mark its 46th Independence Anniversary with the rollout of free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, a move aimed at strengthening digital access and encouraging innovation among young people.
Speaking at the third Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference and Exhibition in Harare, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, said the initiative is designed to empower youth to create prototypes and digital solutions that can support national development.
Held under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: Telecoms, AI and Zimbabwe’s Digital Future,” the conference underscored the growing importance of telecommunications in driving modern economies.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, and there are numerous applications that our young people can create to solve local challenges. Accessible and affordable connectivity is key to unlocking innovation, and this initiative is a step in the right direction toward building a digitally inclusive economy,” Mavetera said.
She noted that Zimbabwe is actively positioning itself for an AI-driven transformation by strengthening infrastructure, building digital skills, and promoting the adoption of AI across both public and private sectors.
“We aim to build a vibrant AI ecosystem addressing challenges in healthcare, public services, and education through improved connectivity and innovation. Currently, we have the ongoing digital skills initiatives, including the 1.5 million coding program in partnership with the UAE government, which focuses on training youth in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software development.
“There is also a government-led cybersecurity training program that has already equipped over 3 000 young people with critical digital security skills,” the ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister said.
She further explained that the government has already begun deploying the hotspots, with the first phase covering 409 locations nationwide.
According to Mavetera, the total number of free Wi-Fi hotspots is expected to reach 1,000 before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, this year’s Independence Day celebrations, along with the 2026 Children’s Party, will take place at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
The Children’s Party is set to be hosted at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be held at Minda Primary School, both located within the same district.
Preparations for the events are progressing well, with major infrastructure developments nearing completion to ensure successful hosting.
Construction of the main arena, including the stadium, has been finalized, while plumbing and electrical installations are still underway. Work on pitch excavation, levelling, drainage, and fencing is also close to completion.
The parking area has already been cleared and partially levelled, with graveling works continuing steadily.
Upgrades at Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as Minda High School, are nearly complete, with all superstructures finished and key facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, staff housing, and renovations approaching completion.
In addition, the distribution of Starlink kits, laptops, and printers is ongoing, to improve communication and connectivity across the host province.
