CORPORATE Zimbabwe is being called upon to play a central role in modernising the country’s education system by investing in digital infrastructure for primary and secondary schools.
The appeal comes amid concerns that many learning institutions remain disconnected from the technological advancements shaping global education and industry.
Despite the rapid growth of digital technologies worldwide, a significant number of Zimbabwean schools lack basic ICT resources, including websites, professional email systems, mobile applications and a social media presence.
Education experts warn that without these tools, the next generation risks being left behind in an increasingly competitive digital economy.
Across the country, pupils and teachers continue to rely on outdated communication systems, while global learning ecosystems move toward artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital collaboration.
Many schools still operate without official domains, online platforms or digital tools to support teaching and administration. The gap is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where learners may never interact with structured digital tools throughout their schooling.
“These students will enter a job market driven by ICT, yet many have never used even the most basic digital platforms,” an ICT sector analyst said. “This is a national competitiveness issue.”
Industry leaders and education specialists are urging Zimbabwean businesses to step in and support the schools that nurtured today’s corporate workforce.
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The argument is simple, every executive, manager and professional in the country passed through a primary and secondary school and it is now their turn to give back.
Businesses are being encouraged to sponsor key digital components such as: Domain registrations to give schools a formal online presence, professional website design and development corporate-grade email services for staff and administration, mobile applications for communication, learning and school management.
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X for community engagement and visibility.
Education consultants say these tools are no longer luxuries but essential elements of a modern learning environment. Digital platforms allow schools to streamline communication, improve transparency and enhance learning. Websites can host e-learning materials, exam information, fee payment systems, school calendars and alumni networks.
Mobile applications can support attendance tracking, homework management and parent engagement.
Social media platforms provide a powerful window for schools to showcase achievements, attract donors, engage alumni and strengthen community participation.
“Schools must exist where people are and today, people are online,” a local education technology expert said. Stakeholders argue that supporting ICT in education is not only an act of goodwill but also a strategic investment.
A digitally-empowered education system produces graduates who are better equipped for the workplace, reducing the skills gap currently faced by industries such as finance, telecommunications, mining and manufacturing.
“Companies spend millions retraining employees in basic digital skills. Supporting ICT in schools solves this upstream,” said an HR executive at a major telecommunications firm.
If every Zimbabwean company adopted a school and sponsored its digital infrastructure, stakeholders believe the country could rapidly close the ICT education gap. The initiative would foster tech-ready graduates capable of driving national innovation and economic growth.
“Zimbabwe can become one of Africa’s most digitally-advanced education systems but only if the corporate sector plays its part,” an ICT consultant involved in school digitisation projects said.
The call upon businesses to support the schools they once attended, as well as those in disadvantaged communities. Advocates argue that a national movement led by the private sector could quickly transform Zimbabwean education, aligning it with global standards.
“With the right support from corporate Zimbabwe, every school in the country could have a website, a domain, an email system, mobile apps, and social media platforms,” the consultant said.
“This is achievable and the time to act is now.”
As Zimbabwe continues its journey toward digital transformation, the role of the private sector in shaping the future of education is becoming increasingly clear. The classrooms that moulded the nation’s leaders are now asking for a digital life-line.
Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or [email protected].
