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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has underscored artificial intelligence (AI) as a game-changer for addressing development challenges in Zimbabwe during the unveiling of Sophia the Humanoid Robot at the Zimbabwe AI and Innovation Week. The event highlighted the potential of AI in creating inclusive opportunities and fostering sustainable growth.
Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Country Director, emphasized the collaborative effort required to ensure AI’s benefits reach all corners of the nation. “We strongly believe that working with the government, the private sector, academic institutions, students, and communities will promote access to artificial intelligence and bridge the divide between urban and rural communities,” he said. Dr. Odusola praised the inclusion of the Akwata community, a rural area near the Mozambique border, as a testament to the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity.
Sophia’s interaction with attendees demonstrated AI’s ability to inform decision-making and inspire new solutions. “The questions posed to Sophia and her responses provided valuable insights for evidence-based strategies, not only in addressing climate change but also in youth engagement, education, and innovation,” Dr. Odusola added.
The event also highlighted AI’s role in enhancing agricultural transformation, improving healthcare access, advancing education, and driving infrastructure development. Dr. Odusola urged the media to amplify discussions about AI’s transformative power in shaping Zimbabwe’s development trajectory. “This is about leaving no one behind as Zimbabwe moves toward becoming an upper-middle-income society,” he concluded.
Sophia’s unveiling was more than a technological demonstration—it was a call to action for leveraging AI to build an inclusive, prosperous future for Zimbabwe.
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