By Wallace Mawire
Zimbabwe is set to mark its 46th Independence Anniversary on April 18, 2026, with the nationwide launch of free Wi-Fi hotspots aimed at boosting youth innovation and digital inclusion.
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, announced the initiative during the third edition of the Business Times Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference and Exhibition in Harare. She said the program will empower young people to develop prototypes and digital solutions that contribute to national development.
“With AI advancing rapidly, there are numerous applications our young people can create to solve local challenges,” she said.
Mavetera emphasized that accessible and affordable connectivity is key to unlocking innovation, describing the initiative as a “step in the right direction” toward building a digitally inclusive economy.
The conference, held under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: Telecoms, AI and Zimbabwe’s Digital Future,” highlighted the critical role of telecommunications in modern economies.
The government has already begun deploying the hotspots, with an initial rollout of 409 sites, expected to expand to at least 1,000 by the end of 2026.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will take place at Maphisa Open Space in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
Mavetera noted that Zimbabwe is positioning itself for a digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence, with a focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing digital skills, and promoting AI adoption across public and private sectors.
The country aims to build a vibrant AI ecosystem addressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services through improved connectivity and innovation.
She also highlighted 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.
Additionally, a government-led cybersecurity training program has already equipped over 3,000 young people with critical digital security skills.
