The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Government has launched the Esigodini College of Agriculture e-learning platform and the Esigodini Public Finance Management System (PFMS) kiosk in Matabeleland South Province in line with plans to create a digital economy as envisioned by Vision 2030.
Officiating at the launch on Wednesday, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said digital platforms are vital to Zimbabwe’s attainment of an upper middle-income economy within the next nine years.
“Online learning platforms and a digital economy are now an integral part of any progressive society. Zimbabwe has embraced the vitality of these platforms as we move towards attaining our vision of Zimbabwe becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” said Minister Muswere.
Agriculture is one of the Government’s main priority areas, and the e-learning facility in particular is expected to assist in training agricultural professionals equipped with the e-skills necessary for Smart Agriculture.
“Access to the internet is now a right, not a privilege, as it has become the lifeblood for fostering sustainable human development and building inclusive knowledge societies and enhancing the free flow of information and ideas throughout the world.
“As the world moves to access new technologies such as 5G, Zimbabwe cannot be left behind as the disparities in connectivity affect universal access and economic growth,” he said.
“The pioneering e-learning platform we have launched here at Esigodini Agricultural College will be an important case study of the inter-ministerial and collaborative approach. Esigodini will thus take its position in the history of Zimbabwe as the prime agricultural e-learning and training institution platform.”
