Addressing delegates, Mavetera said the MSME sector remains central to Zimbabwe”s economy, contributing more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product while supporting approximately 70% of the national workforce.
Zimbabwe’s government has outlined an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at accelerating the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives, positioning technology as a key driver of economic development under the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Speaking at the inaugural National SMEs and Cooperatives Meeting, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, highlighted the government’s digital strategy during the event themed “Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling MSMEs and Cooperatives Ecosystem.” The meeting was hosted by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, with support from the Ministers of Local Government and Public Works, and Industry and Commerce.
Addressing delegates, Mavetera said the MSME sector remains central to Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product while supporting approximately 70% of the national workforce. She described digital transformation as a powerful equaliser capable of enabling small rural businesses to access markets, financial services and knowledge on the same footing as larger enterprises.
The minister outlined several flagship initiatives designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s digital economy. These include the expansion of national digital infrastructure through more than 17,000 kilometres of fibre backbone and the continued rollout of 5G networks. She also highlighted the licensing of Starlink to extend satellite internet connectivity to underserved communities, ensuring rural villages, farms and mining areas are connected.
Mavetera said internet penetration has now reached 87%, supported by the deployment of free Wi-Fi hotspots at rural business centres. She also pointed to the launch of Zimbabwe’s National AI Strategy in March 2026, which includes the AI Grand Challenge aimed at encouraging young innovators to develop technology-driven solutions for local communities.
The government’s digital agenda also includes an ambitious digital skills programme targeting 1.5 million Zimbabweans with training in coding, artificial intelligence and data-related skills. In addition, digital centres have been established across the country to provide free internet access, ICT equipment and digital literacy training to citizens and entrepreneurs.
Concluding her address, Mavetera urged entrepreneurs, cooperative members and innovators to take advantage of the country’s expanding digital infrastructure and policy
