Launched Computer Lab Furnished with Starlink Technology in Gokwe South, Zimbabwe, Aimed at Increasing Digital Accessibility
Zimbabwe Commissions Computer Laboratory Equipped with Starlink Kits in Gokwe South
Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas by commissioning a new computer laboratory at Dopota Primary School in Gokwe South. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with 30 laptops and 5 Starlink satellite internet kits, was officially opened in August 2025.
The deployment of the Starlink kits is part of the government's broader strategy for digital inclusion and participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The initiative is a testament to Zimbabwe's commitment to ensuring that no learner, community, or region is left behind in the nation's journey towards Vision 2030.
The computer laboratory was commissioned by the Zimbabwean Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, on behalf of President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, who accompanied the Minister, reaffirmed the Ministry of ICT's commitment to ensuring digital inclusion for all learners, communities, and regions in Zimbabwe.
The Starlink kits will provide reliable internet connectivity to learners in a remote area, overcoming the challenges of poor terrestrial network infrastructure in the region. This technology advancement will enable students to develop essential digital skills that are critical for education and future employment opportunities in a technology-driven world.
The computer laboratory is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide by bringing advanced ICT infrastructure directly to a rural area that would otherwise struggle to access consistent internet connectivity. It is expected to have a significant impact on Dopota Primary School and the wider community.
However, some critical commentary suggests that while the arrival of 30 laptops and 5 Starlink kits represents progress, the scale may be limited relative to the broader needs of rural schools in Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, this deployment marks an important pilot and symbolic step towards broader digital inclusion efforts within the country.
In conclusion, the Starlink kit deployment at Dopota Primary School is a government-backed initiative aimed at transforming rural education by leveraging satellite internet and modern ICT infrastructure to reduce digital exclusion and equip students with necessary skills for the digital economy, aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
[1] Zimbabwe Herald, "Government Commissions Computer Laboratory in Gokwe South," August 2025. [2] The Chronicle, "Starlink Kits Deployed at Dopota Primary School," August 2025. [3] NewsDay, "Zimbabwe's Vision 2030: Digital Inclusion in Gokwe South," August 2025. [4] The Standard, "Minister Emphasizes Role in Ensuring Digital Inclusion," August 2025. [5] The Financial Gazette, "Critical Commentary on Zimbabwe's Digital Inclusion Efforts," August 2025.
- The deployment of the Starlink kits, a satellite internet technology, is a crucial part of Zimbabwe's strategy to integrate artificial-intelligence and advanced ICT infrastructure in rural areas, thereby enabling students to develop skills relevant for the digital economy.
- With the introduction of artificial-intelligence and satellite technology in the form of Starlink kits, Zimbabwe's commitment towards digital inclusion in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is evident, as seen in the commissioning of the computer laboratory in Gokwe South.
