Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT has placed Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the centre of its digital transformation agenda, identifying it as a critical tool for boosting economic efficiency, accelerating industrial growth and advancing national aspirations towards an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Speaking at the official opening of the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Week in Harare on Tuesday, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, said the National AI Strategy (2026-2030) will position Zimbabwe to transition from a resource-based economy to a competitive, knowledge-driven one.
“This week is nurturing thinkers. AI transforms economies and guides how industries can grow. It is an enabler of strategic objectives, and we aim to drive industrial transformation. This week presents enormous opportunities in terms of enhancing productivity in mining, health, and manufacturing. We also want to improve efficiency in governance, which is the cornerstone of our AI strategy that will be launched in March next year,” Minister Mavetera said.
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Ayodele Odusula, said AI’s potential extends across the economic spectrum, including emerging industries.
“We are looking at efficiencies and opportunities that can be enabled through AI, for example, in the lithium value chain as well as bridging the digital divide within communities,” he said.
The week will also feature the MineTech Innovation Challenge, where more than 270 young innovators from across the country are set to showcase various prototypes centred on the mining value chain.
