Ministry of Youth Partners with NetOne to Drive Digital Inclusion for Zimbabwean Youth

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has signed a strategic partnership with NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited to launch a nationwide initiative integrating young Zimbabweans into the digital economy. Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration sets a structured framework to enhance connectivity, digital literacy, and financial inclusion for the country’s youth.

Information Secretary Nick Mangwana highlighted the initiative’s role in modernizing Zimbabwe’s educational landscape. A key objective is to provide high-speed internet access to all government vocational training centers (VTCs). “The partnership will expand internet access to vocational training centers, build digital skills, and align training with the requirements of an evolving global economy,” Mangwana said. By transforming VTCs into digital hubs, the government aims to close the technological gap that often limits rural and peri-urban students from competing in modern job markets.

A central component of the initiative involves the National Youth Service (NYS). Under the implementation plan, NYS graduates will transition from trainees to active digital service providers, gaining practical experience while delivering community-based solutions. NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani delivered a keynote at the signing, marking a milestone in accelerating the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).

The partnership reflects a whole-of-government approach to youth empowerment, combining digital inclusion, financial innovation, and enterprise development. Expanded connectivity and mobile financial solutions will allow young people to become active participants in the digital economy rather than passive consumers.

NetOne reaffirmed its commitment to building a digitally enabled future aligned with Vision 2030, ensuring that no person or region is left behind. By equipping Zimbabwean youth with digital skills and access, the initiative aims to create sustainable opportunities, strengthen economic participation, and foster a new generation of digitally competent leaders.