Esigodini PFMS Kiosk, College of Agriculture e-learning platform promoting smart agriculture 

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The Esigodini Agricultural College e-Learning platform and the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) kiosk launched by Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services at Esigodini township yesterday in Mzingwane District are meant to promote smart agriculture and the advancement of a digital economy.

“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.

“Ladies and gentlemen 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,” Dr. Muswere said.

The pioneering e-learning platform 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. Esigodini will never be the same again with the launch of this e-learning platform coupled with the launch of the Public Finance Management System kiosk.

“The unity of purpose exhibited by the various stakeholders in this development initiative is a practical demonstration of the success we can attain as a community and as a nation if we are united. Ladies and gentlemen Smart Agriculture is one of our priority areas as a Government and the e-learning facility launched today will greatly assist Zimbabwe in training agricultural professionals equipped with the e-skills necessary for Smart Agriculture.

“His Excellency the President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa mandated his Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services to prioritise connecting all its districts to help decentralise financial management. The President’s vision as articulated in the devolution agenda is to see the country have a decentralised administration catering for all outlying districts of the country. The Public Finance Management System PFMS kiosk we have launched here at Esigodini is the actualisation of the great vision of our President. The Ministry of ICT, Postal, and Courier Services will continue to make real and tangible efforts to fulfill the vision of our Great Leader,” Dr. Muswere added.