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By Sihle Sijamula
Zimbabwe has launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at positioning the country to incorporate emerging technologies for economic growth, improved public services and inclusive digital development.
Speaking during the official national launch at the New Parliament Building, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon Tatenda Mavetera said the country’s success in artificial intelligence will depend on strong infrastructure and sound data governance, while running on six strong pillars.
The major pillars identified as drivers of the strategy are in the following according to Minister Mavetera.
” Our strategy is organised around six pillars:
1. AI Talent and Capacity Development
2. AI Infrastructure and Computational Sovereignty
3. AI Adoption and Public Service Transformation
4. AI Governance, Ethics, and Regulatory Frameworks
5. AI Research, Development, and Innovation
6. AI Strategic International Collaboration and Diplomacy ”
“The key to successful AI development is a strong foundation in digital
infrastructure, data governance, a skilled workforce, regulations, and
effective institutions”, added Mavetera
The first pillar, AI Talent and Capacity Development, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of developing and managing artificial intelligence technologies.
Through education, training and skills development programmes, the government aims to prepare young Zimbabweans to participate in the global digital economy.
The second pillar, AI Infrastructure and Computational Sovereignty, seeks to strengthen Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure and computing capacity to ensure the country has the technological resources required to build and deploy AI solutions locally.
Under the third pillar, AI Adoption and Public Service Transformation, artificial intelligence will be integrated into government systems to improve efficiency in public services such as health, education, agriculture and public administration.
She also said the fourth pillar, AI Governance, Ethics and Regulatory Frameworks, will establish clear policies and safeguards to ensure artificial intelligence technologies are used responsibly while protecting citizens’ rights and data.
The fifth pillar, AI Research, Development and Innovation, aims to encourage universities, researchers and technology startups to develop home-grown AI solutions that respond to Zimbabwe’s local challenges.
The final pillar, AI Strategic International Collaboration and Diplomacy, will focus on strengthening partnerships with international institutions, development partners and the Zimbabwean diaspora to support the country’s AI ambitions through knowledge sharing, funding and innovation.
“This strategy marks the beginning of our journey towards an innovative, inclusive and prosperous AI-enabled Zimbabwe,” she said.
Hon. Mavetera went on to say that the strategy places strong emphasis on inclusion and digital equity, with efforts made to ensure women, youth, rural communities and persons with disabilities are not left behind in digital transformation.
She also announced five key initiatives expected to be rolled out within the first 18 months.
Among them is the AI Grand Challenge, a national competition that will provide innovators with funding, pilot contracts and exposure to develop AI-driven solutions that address national challenges.
Another initiative is the National AI and Data Platform, which will provide secure access to national datasets and computing power for researchers, developers and institutions working on artificial intelligence technologies.
The third initiative is the AI for Every Zimbabwean campaign which aims to improve public understanding of artificial intelligence through school programmes and local-language media that will make it accessible to communities across the country.
Hon. Mavetera also announced the creation of a National AI Regulatory Sandbox, which will allow startups and technology innovators to test new AI solutions before they are rolled out widely.
In addition, a National AI Innovation Fund which is a co-investment facility designed to provide funding and mentorship to AI startups and entrepreneurs developing new technologies.
Hon. Mavetera said the initiatives are expected to bring innovation, create new jobs in the technology sector and support the development of locally relevant AI solutions that improve everyday life for Zimbabweans.
She also added that implementing the strategy will require strong partnerships between government, universities, the private sector, civil society organisations and development partners.
“Building partnerships is essential, and developing AI capabilities takes long-term commitment”, said Mavetera.
Hon. Mavetera went on to acknowledge that the journey toward building a robust AI ecosystem will be challenging, she said collaboration and long-term commitment will be key to unlocking the country’s digital future.
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