The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Liquid Intelligent Technologies intends to close the connectivity gap in Zimbabwe, as the country moves towards a digital economy.
Regional countries are increasingly pursuing digitalisation as an enabler to economic growth.
However, the digital drive has been accelerated by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Southern Africa) group’s regional chief executive officer Mr Wellington Makamure said: “Zimbabwe, like many African countries, faces significant issues such as lack of access to connectivity, healthcare, energy, education, etc.
“On the other hand, nearly 48 percent of Zimbabwe’s population is young, and the region has the potential to create equal and inclusive opportunities for its youth to learn and enter the job market with the necessary skillset and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
“The needs of the hour are high-impact technological interventions and community-wide reforms to broaden the reach for opportunities. Accessing the Internet and digital technologies is a turning point in the lives of many. Students who have access can study courses online, find jobs and even learn new vocational skills.”
The group is presently working with disadvantaged communities, especially in rural areas, through providing connectivity to enhance their quality of education, healthcare service delivery and everyday lives.
Some of the initiatives are carried out through Edu-Zones, which is Liquid Zimbabwe’s corporate social responsibility initiative to provide free Wi-Fi to students in 52 educational institutions through Wi-Fi zones.
“Since its launch in July 2018, thousands of students and teachers are benefitting from high speed, reliable internet connectivity that is critical for studies. It has had a positive impact in improving exam pass rates and creating career opportunities for students.
“Internet access and connectivity open doors to knowledge and opportunity,” added Mr Makamure.
Edu-Zones have also helped universities and polytechnics save money on internet data costs.
The group has also placed special focus on helping children, 70 percent of whom live in remote rural areas where lack of internet connectivity and poor infrastructure are major hindrances to learning.
Statistics show that only 31 percent of Zimbabwe’s primary and secondary schools have internet access at a time e-learning is growing due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Liquid recently funded the construction of an administration block at Sinechembu School in Gokwe, as well as refurbishing Rafingora Primary School classrooms.
It is also providing free Internet at Mufudzi Wakanaka School in Hwedza.
As part of this project, the organisation chipped in the installation of a garden fence and a solar-powered borehole, providing the entire community with clean water.
