Zimbabwe Information and Technology Empowerment Centre

28/09/2026

Register for the Free AI4IA Conference

We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

24/09/2026

ALERT!!!!

Following the successful completion of the Forward mentorship programme Cohort 1, is calling for mentors to join Cohort 2. The Forward Mentorship programme is a pivotal capacity-building and digital equity program conceived to integrate career development, digital literacy, and community engagement. It expands its focus from STEM to a more inclusive, multidisciplinary approach that aims to build a digital mentorship chain:

Experts mentor Students, and Students train Community Women. Give To Gain highlights the power of reciprocity, when individuals, organizations and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen, and societies thrive. By giving one hour of your expertise, you gain the
opportunity to shape the future of digital equity in Zimbabwe.

Click here https://forms.gle/1rTC3EFUnQKQd6ix7 or scan the QR code to express your interest. It only takes three minutes to complete the form.

Team4Tech Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Zimbabwe Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Unesco Regional Office for Southern Africa UNESCO Youth Old Mutual South Africa

24/09/2026

On the 18 September, conducted a 21st Century Skills Workshop at Christian College in . The workshop was attended by 132 Form 3 and Form 4 students. The session focused on equipping learners with practical skills to navigate the increasingly, innovative and interconnected world.

The AI literacy and digital literacy sessions discussed responsible and ethical use of technology, and emphasised the importance of servant leadership through volunteering, embracing learning agility, professionalism, entrepreneurship and collaboration.

These skills are a must have for one to easily adapt, collaborate, leverage opportunities that come with technological advancements, solve problems and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

ZITEC continues to create spaces for young people can gain knowledge, build confidence and cocreate community solutions. Wendy Nyambayo Matizha

09/09/2026

Opportunity Alert: Call for Applications

Mentorship Programme Cohort 2

Are you a young woman eager to grow your career while giving back to your community? TechHer Forward is calling for emerging female leaders for Cohort 2. Building on our Give to Gain campaign launched on International Women’s Day, this program offers young women (ages 18+) 1-on-1 career mentorship from experienced tech professionals. In turn, you have to pay it forward by
mentoring and training grassroots women’s community women essential digital skills. Join us as we build your technical confidence, develop your leadership skills, and drive digital equity at the grassroots level!

Why Join TechHer Forward?
mentorship programme (Cohort 2) is an opportunity to accelerate your career, build a powerful professional network, and lead digital change in local communities through the Give to Gain framework.

Program Duration: 90 Days (Hybrid & In-Person)

Application link https://forms.gle/pPpyGhXRJ4QbfmgZ8

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

17/08/2026

Saturday, the 15 August marked the closing and graduation ceremony of the inaugural Mentorship Programme, inspired by the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain.”.

The ceremony was graced by powerhouse guest speakers Michel Mzondo and Kundai Kondo, alongside women technology leaders Dr. Eng. Prudence Kadebu Eva Tsitsi Chigodo, Eng. Simbai Zindove Tendai Kachidza Khayelihle K Dube who served with dedication as mentors to 12 remarkable emerging female leaders in technology.

What began as a simple sharing session evolved into a powerful gathering of women champions united by one vision, to create a chain of brilliant women who inspire the next generation with courage, confidence and strength. From this programme, authentic relationships were forged, and capacities were strengthened.

For those who could not attend, here are a few highlights from this event,

Eng. Simbai Zindove led a discussion on maximising for professional growth and community problem-solving. The session challenged emerging technology leaders to use AI ethically while respecting intellectual property, privacy and confidentiality.

Michel Mzondo MBL, CTP, CODP shared on the seven principles of effective networking, encouraging participants to own their space in the male-dominated tech sector, lead with courage and embrace servant leadership.

Kundai Kondo CA(Z), ACCA, MBL, RPAcc concluded the event with a powerful message on breaking barriers, building a strong personal brand and committing to continuous learning because when women rise, they create pathways for other women to follow.

A heartfelt congratulations to the bright mentees!

If you missed the inaugural programme, be sure to register as a mentor or mentee for the next cohort. ZITEC is committed to building and nurturing a culture of reciprocity where women give, grow and inspire one another to confidently take up space in the technology sector.

Team4Tech Hon Tatenda Mavetera Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Zimbabwe Potraz Zimbabwe National Commission for Unesco United Nations in Zimbabwe Nyashae Manzou Tariro Chakawa chenayi goko Panashe Gwitirwa Fadzai Mashayenyi Lorraine M. Chipazi Ropafadzo Muridzi Princess B Kwaniya Sithabiso Dade Mahofa Tariro Chakawa
Nancy Kwangwa Wendy Nyambayo Matizha Gracy Msauki

10/08/2026

Today, we honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of our national heroes and heroines. May their legacy continue to inspire us to build a united, inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe for generations to come.

Happy Heroes Day, Zimbabwe!

28/06/2026

We had an awesome time at the Career Expo hosted by the BLUE Diamond College in Mabvuku where we explored the essential skills needed for to navigate 21st-century workplaces. Together with 200 bright, eager students from three different schools we explored the meta-literacies that gives young leaders a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving world. Seeing the students reflect on their own skill sets and commit to attaining the nes they currently possess for growth reaffirmed our true existence, in the digital equity space.

At , we remained commited to community innovation and digital transformation through equipping the next generation with future-ready competencies.

Special thanks go to Tafadzwa Pindura and the school authorities of Blue Diamond College, your work and passion matters.

23/06/2026

Technology for Impact: ZITEC at the Pre-AI4I Launch Breakfast Meeting

ZITEC had the honour of participating in the Pre-AI4I Launch Breakfast Meeting that was convened by the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Zimbabwe and Potraz a strategic stakeholder engagement focused on translating Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) into practical implementation.

The event strongly resonated with ZITEC’s mandate to promote digital equity, responsible technology adoption, capacity building, research, innovation and inclusive participation in the digital economy.

The AI for Impact Challenge reinforces a critical message: technology must not remain at the level of policy, discussion or innovation hype. It must solve real community, industry, public sector and development challenges. It must generate local solutions, strengthen institutional capacity, support evidence-based decision-making and create measurable impact for citizens.

For ZITEC, this aligns directly with our work in AI literacy, ethical AI, digital skills development, cybersecurity awareness, youth innovation, women’s digital empowerment and responsible technology use. We believe that AI and emerging technologies should be designed, developed and deployed in ways that are inclusive, ethical, secure and responsive to Zimbabwean realities.

The emphasis on data, design, development and deployment in the AI ecosystem is especially important. These dimensions remind us that impactful AI requires credible local data, user-centred solutions, practical prototypes, strong governance, cybersecurity safeguards and clear pathways to adoption.

As Zimbabwe moves from strategy to ex*****on, ZITEC remains committed to contributing to a national AI ecosystem that is people-centred, inclusive and impact-driven.

Technology must work for people.
Innovation must respond to real needs.
AI must carry local relevance and deliver measurable development outcomes.

Photo Credit: TechnoMag and MICTPCS
Hon Tatenda Mavetera

11/06/2026

was honoured to participate in a roundtable discussion at the Deep Learning IndabaX Zimbabwe 2026 Edition at Arrupe Jesuit University, which was held under the theme: "Preparing the workforce of Zimbabwe for an AI-driven future. "

The discussion focused on “From Strategy to Action: Implementing Zimbabwe’s AI Strategy for Workforce Development.”
The discussion provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of Zimbabwe’s National AI Strategy 2026-2030 and to reflect on how its six pillars can be streamlined to support workforce development.

In the conversation, ZITEC emphasised the strategic importance of advancing AI research as a foundation for evidence-based programming, policy interventions, innovation, and responsible AI development. Research remains the bedrock of AI growth because it helps us understand local realities, identify practical solutions, and design interventions that respond to Zimbabwe’s development priorities. Most importantly, delegates were challenged to take up careers in AI research because, according to Zimbabwe's AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, the number of AI and AI-related publications per capita was 0.02, the number of citations for AI and AI-related publications per capita was 0.001 and the number of FAccT publications per capita was 0.005. These statistics show the urgent need for AI research and development.

We also highlighted the need to document, package, and share Zimbabwe’s AI success stories with the global community. Showcasing local innovations is not only a visibility strategy; it is also a pathway for strengthening international collaboration, attracting partnerships, and positioning Zimbabwe within the global technology ecosystem.

Several important questions emerged during the discussion, including: How do we ensure that everyone has the necessary AI literacy to actively, meaningfully, and responsibly participate in AI conversations?

For ZITEC, this question sits at the core of our mission. We remain committed to promoting inclusive capacity building in AI literacy, digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and other essential technology competencies to ensure that communities, young people, professionals, and decision-makers are not left behind in the AI-driven future of work.

It was also inspiring to learn from the youth-led innovations showcased during the event. These innovations demonstrate that Zimbabwe has the talent, creativity, and determination needed to move from AI strategy to practical implementation.

03/06/2026

📢 Call for Applications - Training on Ethical Application and Use of AI for Civil Society

Are you part of a civil society organisation working to community development?

We are inviting applications for a training session on the ethical application and use of Artificial Intelligence by the civil society. This training supports civil society actors to better understand how AI can be used responsibly, ethical, safely, and effectively in advocacy, research, communications, service delivery, and organisational work.

Civil society actors, researchers, community organisers, youth groups and advocacy practitioners are encouraged to apply.

⏰ Application deadline: 6 June 2026

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/8ZzCfeLYxrCuUXmJ7