HARARE – The government has begun distributing Starlink satellite internet kits to about 8,000 primary and secondary schools without fibre connectivity, officials said on Wednesday.
The equipment was handed over to Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo by his Information Communication Technology counterpart Tatenda Mavetera under the so-called Presidential Internet Scheme.
Mavetera said the initiative was intended to close the digital divide in the education sector, particularly for schools in remote and underserved areas.
“This is not merely a ceremonial exchange of equipment, but a strategic intervention aimed at building an inclusive, digitally empowered education system that leaves no learner behind,” Mavetera said.
“Our two ministries are working closely together to pursue a whole-of-government approach, ensuring that education and digital technology converge to transform our learners into confident digital citizens.”
She described the rollout as “a massive leap forward” in tackling longstanding connectivity challenges in Zimbabwe’s education system.
“For too long, geography has determined opportunity,” Mavetera added.
According to government figures released in 2021, Zimbabwe had 6,798 primary schools and 2,980 secondary schools at the time, with authorities launching an ambitious programme to construct 3,000 additional schools by 2025.
However, it remained unclear how the Starlink kits would be powered, as many of the targeted remote schools have no access to electricity. Solar power is widely viewed as the most viable option, but neither ministry indicated whether funding had been secured for such installations.
The Starlink kits are believed to have been supplied by ICM Communications, a company owned by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Chivayo disclosed last year that he had signed contracts with the ICT ministry worth US$200 million as an “internet service provider.”
