The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, championed digital innovation in Zimbabwe’s postal and courier sector, during the World Post Day 2025 celebrations at Nyamandlovu Business Centre in Matabeleland North.
Minister Mavetera described the postal sector as a key pillar of national connectivity and economic activity, noting that emerging technologies were transforming service delivery.
She highlighted the introduction of the Zimpost Chatbot and the Zimpost Mobile Application as evidence of the Government’s commitment to bringing services closer to citizens.
“The postal sector continues to connect our people and drive economic development, and digital innovation is central to that transformation. The Zimpost Chatbot and Mobile Application are designed to give Zimbabweans convenient, reliable access to postal services anywhere in the country,” she said.
She also showcased the launch of the AI-powered chatbot, S’gijimi, describing it as a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s digital journey.
“S’gijimi embodies speed, reliability and accessibility. This is the direction we are taking as we build a modern and efficient postal system,” she added.
Minister Mavetera noted that the digital shift is supporting broader national goals, including youth entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and job creation.
“Our postal infrastructure is now playing a far bigger role in national development, particularly through e-commerce and digital empowerment,” she said.
The minister further pointed to the transformation of former Community Information Centres into Digital Centres, which now offer digital literacy training, e-commerce support, and internet access.
“These centres are key tools for empowering communities. They provide our people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to participate fully in the digital economy,” she said.
Nyamandlovu residents welcomed the initiatives, saying they would improve access to essential services. Local farmer Sibongile Ncube said the new platforms would reduce travel costs for rural communities.
“S’gijimi will help us check parcel updates from home instead of travelling long distances,” she said.
Minister Mavetera added that Zimbabwe’s advancements align with the National AI Strategy and reinforce the country’s leadership in the global postal sector.
“Zimbabwe continues to play a leading role in international postal affairs as a member of the Universal Postal Union Council of Administration and host of the Pan African Postal Union Secretary General,” she said.
Youth entrepreneur Thabani Mpofu, who uses the local Digital Centre to advance his online business, said the facility had significantly boosted his operations.
“The training I received here helped me understand online marketing and reach more customers,” he said.
