Government has directed local authorities to ensure that the Smart Cities agenda remains firmly focused on improving the lives of citizens, warning that technology should never become an end in itself but a tool for solving everyday challenges faced by communities.
Speaking during a recent engagement in Victoria Falls, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavunga said the success of smart initiatives would be measured by their impact on ordinary people, particularly those in underserved communities, rather than the sophistication of the technology deployed.
Read more: ZW: Focus on people, not gadgets in Smart City drive — Deputy Minister Mavunga
Harare's urban capacity has long outstripped its original colonial design. Gridlocked roads, chronic office shortages and ageing infrastructure define daily life in the capital. Twenty kilometres west, at Mount Hampden, a blueprint for a new administrative smart city rises alongside nationwide airport expansions and transnational tourism highways—all sustained by Chinese financing, engineering expertise and technical training under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework.
Egyptian experts are expected in Zimbabwe soon for preliminary works on the construction of a new smart city in Mt Hampden, The Sunday Mail has learnt.
Zimbabwe and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2023 to collaborate on the planning, design, construction and management of the new smart city development in Mt Hampden, which is set to become the new capital.
Read more: ZW: Egyptian experts expected for preliminary work on new smart city
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating digital transformation and strengthening its technology ecosystem as part of the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 strategy, with a renewed focus on infrastructure development, innovation, and skills growth.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the 3rd Edition of the Evolve Summit hosted by CompuLink, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, outlined the government’s strategic priorities aimed at advancing the country’s digital economy.
Read more: Zimbabwe pushes digital transformation agenda under Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Strategy
The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) has updated its master plan to align with Smart City design concepts, as part of efforts to modernise research infrastructure and promote innovation across Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement workshop in Bulawayo on Wednesday, SIRDC chief executive officer Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo said the updated plan provides for the expansion of research infrastructure, establishment of vaccine production facilities, and the creation of a Forensic and Cybersecurity University, among other specialised laboratories.
Read more: ZW: Bulawayo: SIRDC integrates Smart City Design Concepts into national master plan