Zimbabwe unveils plan for digital and inclusive education reform

The Government of Zimbabwe has unveiled plans to accelerate digital transformation and inclusive education, according to a statement made by the country’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, during a press briefing.

The senior official explained that the decision was based on the outcomes of the 14th Innovation Africa Summit, held in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The event brought together African ministers, private sector leaders, and development partners to address educational challenges through public-private collaboration. This is reported by New Ziana.

Muswere stated that the theme of the Summit, "Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century", aligns with Zimbabwe’s national development goals.  "The Summit focused on addressing Africa’s education gaps through public-private partnerships, with particular attention on digital transformation, teacher development, equitable access, and alignment with AU Agenda 2063, SDG 4, and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa," he said.

Under the plan, Zimbabwe intends to establish partnerships with Digital Schools and Global Skilling Academies in the United Arab Emirates to harness solar energy and digital education, in particular to improve rural communities and foster inclusive socio-economic growth.

A central component of the strategy involves annually training over 10,000 teachers and lecturers in artificial intelligence and digital literacy, a measure designed to reinforce the country's competence-based education and training reforms.

Furthermore, the government is placing strong emphasis on increasing the participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.