By Fanuel Chinowaita
NetOne has taken its digital inclusion drive to Mberengwa, urging schools to equip learners with technology skills and encourage them to become innovators capable of solving challenges facing their communities.
The call was made at the Mberengwa Schools ICT Fair 2026, held under the Digitalize Zimbabwe ICT Expo Programme, a national initiative aimed at bringing digital opportunities closer to communities, particularly schools and young people.
The programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, in partnership with Mutapa Energy Resources, Video Promotions and NetOne.
Speaking at the event, NetOne Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Christopher Muchechemera, said learners should move beyond using technology and begin developing their own digital solutions.
“Our schools are the foundation upon which Zimbabwe’s digital future will be built. We want to see learners in Mberengwa and across the country moving beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators, innovators and problem-solvers,” he said.
The fair seeks to expose learners to emerging technologies such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship and software development, while encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Muchechemera said digital technology was no longer a luxury but an essential tool for education, economic development and national progress.
He said the initiative was aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seek to promote innovation, economic growth and the expansion of digital infrastructure.
The Digitalize Zimbabwe ICT Expo Programme is being rolled out across all 10 provinces, with a focus on bringing technological awareness and innovation closer to communities.
NetOne said it was committed to providing network connectivity, live-streaming capabilities and on-site technical support for the exhibitions, alongside assistance with branding and visibility.
The company also called on teachers to embrace digital learning and integrate ICT into teaching, saying geographical location should not determine a learner’s access to digital opportunities.
“Whether a child is in Mberengwa, Harare, Bulawayo or any other part of Zimbabwe, they deserve an opportunity to access information, acquire digital skills and participate in the knowledge economy,” Muchechemera said.
He encouraged learners to explore technology, experiment with new ideas and use digital platforms responsibly.
“The next big technological innovation could come from a learner right here in Mberengwa,” he said.
The programme brings together government, the private sector, educational institutions and communities in efforts to promote digital inclusion and innovation across Zimbabwe.
NetOne said its participation in the initiative demonstrated its commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation through connectivity and digital solutions.