Zimbabwe’s push towards a digitally inclusive economy gathers momentum this weekend as the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services rolls out the Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving Expo in Mutoko, Mashonaland East.
Set for 20–21 March 2026 at Makaha Secondary School, the two-day event brings together government institutions, telecoms giants, universities, financial institutions, and innovation hubs under one roof, in what authorities say is a deliberate drive to decentralise technology access and opportunities.
At the centre of the programme is ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who will headline the official launch and outline government’s digital transformation roadmap.
Taking Digital Transformation To The People
This is not just another expo. It is a strategic intervention.
For years, digital innovation in Zimbabwe has been largely urban-centred. The Mutoko edition signals a shift, taking connectivity, services, and innovation directly to rural communities.
From POTRAZ to telecom operators like Econet Wireless, NetOne, and Telecel Zimbabwe, the expo will showcase real-time activations designed to demonstrate how digital tools can transform everyday life.
Participants will also include TelOne, Zimpost, ZIMRA, and NSSA, among many others.
The message is clear: digitalisation is no longer optional, it is foundational.
Day One: Activations, Innovation And Community Engagement
Day One, running from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, is structured around intensive activations from both public and private sector players.
From telecom demonstrations to financial inclusion platforms, agricultural innovation, and energy solutions, the programme is designed to expose communities to practical digital tools.
Institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Open University, and Harare Polytechnic will also showcase research, innovation, and skills pathways for young people.
Critically, schools and local institutions are actively involved, ensuring that digital literacy conversations begin at grassroots level.
Day Two: Policy, Leadership And The Future Of ICT
Day Two shifts focus to policy direction and high-level engagement.
The official launch ceremony will be led by Minister Mavetera, alongside Mashonaland East provincial leadership, including Minister of State Itayi Ndudzo.
Key highlights include:
- Official ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Policy remarks from government leadership
- ICT innovation tours and demonstrations
- Launch of the 8th edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe Magazine
- Announcement of the next ICT Expo
Deputy Minister Dingimuzi Phuti will deliver the vote of thanks, closing a programme that blends policy, innovation, and community participation.
What Is At Stake
Beyond exhibitions and speeches, the Mutoko expo sits at the heart of Zimbabwe’s broader governance and development agenda.
Digital infrastructure is now directly linked to:
- Access to education
- Financial inclusion
- Agricultural productivity
- Public service delivery
- Youth employment and innovation
By bringing together regulators, operators, and end-users, the government is attempting to close the digital divide, one district at a time.
The Bigger Picture
Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 hinges on industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth. ICT is the backbone of that ambition.
The Mutoko expo is therefore more than a provincial event, it is a statement of intent.
If successful, it signals a future where digital opportunities are not confined to Harare or major cities, but are accessible in places like Mutoko, Mberengwa, and beyond.
For communities on the margins of the digital economy, this could be the beginning of real transformation.
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