By 
By Ross Moyo
Still basking in the glory of being voted most improved Ministry for her exemplary service against the accountability framework introduced by President Mnangagwa in 2021 through performance contracts, Hon. Tatenda Annastancia Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, has been elected Chairperson of the Council of Ministers in charge of ICT (CMICT). The election took place during the Eighth Session of CMICT on March 24, 2026 which was held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Council of Ministers in charge of ICT (CMICT) is the key decision-making, consultative organ of the Smart Africa Alliance, comprising ICT ministers from member states. It steers policy direction, harmonizes regulatory frameworks, and accelerates the implementation of continental digital projects. As of March 2026, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, was elected President or Chairperson for a two-year term, leading efforts toward a single digital market by 2030.
Smart Africa’s Director General or CEO, Lacina Koné, congratulated Minister Mavetera in a letter dated March 27, 2026.
“Your election is an important moment for the Alliance, moving from vision to delivery”, wrote Koné.
The appointment reflects Zimbabwe’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital agenda. Key Details About CMICT and Recent Developments:
Role & Function: CMICT reviews and approves action plans, studies, and policies proposed by the Smart Africa Secretariat to accelerate regional digital projects.
Recent Leadership (As of March 2026): Hon. Tatenda Mavetera (Zimbabwe) was elected Chair for a two-year term at the 8th Session of the Council in Kigali, with Côte d’Ivoire designated and serving as Vice-Chair, signaling a strong African digital partnership.
Focus Areas: The council focuses on digital transformation, including strengthening ICT policy harmonization, promoting artificial intelligence adoption, and enhancing infrastructure to bridge the digital divide across Africa.
Smart Africa Alignment: The CMICT acts as the ministerial oversight body for the Smart Africa Manifesto, aligning member states with a unified digital transformation agenda.
Smart Africa will support Minister Mavetera in advancing digital priorities and strengthening Member State coordination.
The focus will be on accelerating shared priorities and translating ambition into tangible impact for citizens and entrepreneurs.
Koné expressed readiness to work closely with Mavetera in a pragmatic, results‑driven manner.
The appointment positions CMICT as a driving force for Africa’s digital transformation.
With the buck stopping with her, Zimbabwe’s Minister Mavetera in essence, will chair CMICT working to unify Africa’s ICT efforts, accelerate digital development, and turn policy ambitions into real impact for citizens and businesses across the continent.
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