Zimbabwe Launches One Laptop Per Child Program For Rural & Urban Learners

Zimbabwe Launches One Laptop Per Child To Boost Digital Learning

Zimbabwe has taken a bold step to close the digital divide. The government has announced the launch of the One Laptop Per Child programme, aimed at giving both rural and urban learners access to digital tools. More than 10,000 teachers and lecturers will also be trained in Artificial Intelligence every year as part of the initiative.

“Affordable laptops. Digital skills. Inclusive future.”

At a Post Cabinet Media Briefing on 27 May 2025, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the programme would transform education access across the country.

“The Government of Zimbabwe will partner with the Digital Schools and Global Skilling Academies of the United Arab Emirates to harness the potential of solar energy, digital education, skills development, and public-private community partnerships,” said Dr Muswere as per ZBC.

He said the programme would help drive inclusive growth in rural communities, using a subsidised model to make laptops and digital learning tools more affordable.

“More than 10,000 teachers and lecturers will receive annual training in artificial intelligence and digital literacy,” he added.

The government also aims to boost participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by making digital resources accessible to all learners.

Digital shift powered by partnerships

According to Dr Muswere, the government will rely on public-private partnerships to drive teacher development and improve digital infrastructure in schools.

“Public-private partnerships will be adopted to enhance teacher development and equitable access to digital tools,” he said.

He also confirmed that solar energy will be a key part of the rollout, especially in areas with limited electricity access.

The initiative supports Zimbabwe’s broader push to strengthen Competence-Based Education and Training reforms, in line with global education trends.

Trade and tech: Zimbabwe’s twin goals

Zimbabwe is also moving ahead with regional trade goals. Dr Muswere confirmed that the country is preparing to join the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, a major transport route linking Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the Southern African region.

“Government commits to ensuring that the Walvis Bay Dry Port becomes fully operational and Zimbabwe will join the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor,” he said.

The corridor is expected to boost trade and support regional integration.

The Cabinet also discussed Zimbabwe’s recent hosting of the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas Conference, which included the launch of a Carbon Trading Framework and Carbon Registry.