Mnangagwa announces ambitious plans to bridge Zimb...

Mnangagwa announces ambitious plans to bridge Zimbabwe digital divide

Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved two new initiatives aimed at empowering Zimbabwe's economically marginalised population, the Presidential Internet Scheme and the Presidential Home Industry Development Scheme.

The programs will complement existing government efforts to achieve a middle-income economy by 2030.

PIS will utilise SpaceX's Starlink satellite technology to provide high-speed internet access to schools in rural communities, bridging the digital divide. PHIDS will establish and upgrade home industries to create employment and empower urbanites.

Paul Tungwarara, chairperson of Prevail International Group, praised Mnangagwa for his vision, saying:

"The Presidential Internet Scheme and the Presidential Home Industry Development Scheme represent a monumental step towards digital and economic inclusivity across Zimbabwe.

"President Emmerson Mnangagwa's commitment to utilising cutting-edge technology like Starlink to reach our most remote villages and upgrade our ailing home industries is truly commendable."

Tungwarara added that PHIDS' pilot project will upgrade Glenview home industries, which have been plagued by fires in recent years:

"We are ready to implement another scheme of presidential home industry development to upgrade our home industry to state of the art. We are currently in liaison with the local authority to work out the framework favorable for both parties," he said.

These initiatives build upon the success of previous programs, including the Presidential Borehole Scheme and Presidential Solar Scheme, which have improved livelihoods and mitigated the impacts of drought and load shedding.