IN a world rapidly shifting towards digitisation, Agartha Chabwera, a woman living with disability, embodies the transformative power of technology.
Sitting at her desk with her laptop open and eyes glued to the screen, Chabwera is on the verge of turning her aspirations into reality.
Her participation in a recent digital skills workshop in Nyanga, organised by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Internet Society of Zimbabwe, marks a pivotal step towards launching her own online marketing business.
Chabwera’s story is not just about personal ambition, it is a reflection of resilience in the face of adversity.
“Digital skills have opened doors for me that I never thought possible,” Chabwera told NewsDay Weekender.
“I am excited to start my own online marketing business, but more importantly, I am eager to share this knowledge with my colleagues and community.
“I want to show them that disability doesn't limit our potential — with the right tools and training, we can thrive in the digital world.”
Chabwera is one of 35 people living with disabilities (PWDs) who recently received advanced digital skills training through a programme focusing on enhancing digital literacy and inclusion.
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This initiative is part of Potraz’s national strategy aimed at addressing the digital divide and empowering marginalised communities in Zimbabwe.
The training encompasses a range of practical skills, including Google Workspace, social media marketing, web development and Google analytics.
Gift Machengete, the director general for Potraz, expressed the organisation’s commitment to promoting digital inclusivity.
“We will continue allocating resources towards this initiative,” he said.
“This is something that we are doing in line with our President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Potraz is committed to ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive in this new era.”
The empowerment of individuals with disabilities through digital literacy is further supported by Taurai Nyarufika, president of the Internet Society of Zimbabwe.
He noted that the training programmes aim to equip individuals with essential skills necessary for success in today’s tech-driven environment.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities,” Nyarufika said.
Pick Nkomwa, from the National Council of the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, urged participants to maximise the knowledge they acquired.
“We applaud Potraz for mainstreaming disability issues in its activities and appeal for the extension of the program across provinces,” Nkomwa remarked, highlighting the importance of sustained support and accessibility in digital education.
Since its inception in 2023, Potraz has transformed the lives of over 800 PWDs by equipping them with vital information communication technology (ICT) skills, with plans to train an additional 200 individuals this year.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services minister Tatenda Mavetera emphasised the government’s efforts to enhance digital skills among PWDs.
“These initiatives are designed to promote digital inclusivity and empower individuals with disabilities through training programmes and accessible technology,” she said.
Mavetera also pointed to the importance of making ICT products, content and services accessible to all.
She explained that her ministry is working towards alternative interaction modes and multiple output formats to accommodate assistive technologies, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
Chabwera’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, support and the right resources, individuals with disabilities can transcend barriers to achieve their dreams.
As she prepares to embark on her entrepreneurial venture, Chabwera stands as a beacon of hope for many, underscoring the message that disability is not a limitation — but rather an opportunity for innovation and growth.
In a world that increasingly relies on technology, initiatives like those of Potraz and the Internet Society of Zimbabwe are crucial in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate fully in society.
Chabwera believes that by empowering individuals with digital skills, the nation can build a more equitable future — one where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
