Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a catalyst for economic growth, development and social progress, an official said Tuesday.
Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dingimuzi Phuti said this while officiating at the launch of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe 2025 at Girls College in Bulawayo, which was held under the theme “The Future of Robots.” The event was organised by the Girls in STEM Trust, a local organization dedicated to promoting the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to showcase the burgeoning talent in robotics, artificial intelligence, and STEM innovation in the country.
“We recognize that ICT is not just a tool for communication but an enabler of economic growth, development and social progress,” he said. “The World Robot Olympiad provides an exceptional platform for our students to delve into the world of robotics, coding, and technological problem-solving.”
Phuti said such initiatives like the WRO align with the government strategic goals of fostering a dynamic and inclusive ICT ecosystem. “By equipping our youth with the necessary skills, we are preparing them to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world. “This competition encourages critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and innovation—key pillars in the development of our national ICT landscape,” he added, underscoring the importance of addressing gender disparities in STEM fields.
“Through initiatives like these, we are beginning to bridge the gap. We must continue to support and encourage young girls to pursue their interests in ICT and technology, ensuring they are empowered to become leaders and innovators,” he said.
Phuti said this year, the country aims to send more teams to raise the Zimbabwean flag on the global stage. He reiterated the importance of investing in youth, particularly in robotics and ICT, as a long-term investment in the country’s future.
Speaking at the same event, founder of the Girls in STEM Trust Victoria Nxumalo, chronicled the organization’s seven-year journey in advancing STEM education in Zimbabwe.
“From leading Africa Code Week to now hosting the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe, our mission has always been to ensure that young Zimbabweans, especially girls, have access to critical digital skills that will define the future of work and industry,” she said.
Nxumalo noted the significant strides made in robotics education over the past year. “Last year, 450 students competed in the National Hackathon, and this year, we are expecting 90 teams. A defining moment was Zimbabwe’s first-ever participation at the WRO International in Turkey, where our students proudly represented the country,” she said.
She also announced the expansion of the WRO program to all 10 provinces of the country, ensuring broader participation and inclusivity. “As we move into 2025, we are proud to announce that WRO Zimbabwe has expanded to all 10 provinces, ensuring that more students than ever before have the opportunity to participate. “This reflects our commitment to making robotics education accessible to learners across Zimbabwe, regardless of their background,” Nxumalo said.
Nxumalo said the WRO aligns with the country’s Education 5.0 framework and the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which emphasize innovation, industrialization, and the commercialization of ideas.
“Through robotics education, students are not only learning new technologies but also applying them to develop practical solutions to real-world problems,” she explained.
New Ziana
