Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasised the importance of harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernise Zimbabwe’s economy, enhance productivity, and tackle corruption.
Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Harare on Friday, President Dr Mnangagwa said the strategy positions Zimbabwe alongside other nations that are actively integrating AI into national development frameworks.
“It is the technological era which will define the growth and development of a nation, and Zimbabwe is on the right path through the launch of a National AI strategy,” he said.
The President urged both public and private sectors to adopt the roadmap outlined in the strategy, highlighting the potential of AI to improve efficiency across multiple industries.
“I challenge all stakeholders to be guided by the outlined roadmap for the seamless and widespread adoption of this strategy across all sectors. On its part, my administration stands ready to offer incentives to businesses that integrate AI to augment efficiencies and productivity. In the public sector, flagship projects are set to be rolled out in key areas such as precision agriculture, predictive healthcare diagnostics, smart mining operations, together with Artificial Intelligence-driven systems to improve service delivery and fight corruption,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa underscored the social and economic benefits of AI, calling for its implementation at all levels of society.
“Let us implement this Strategy with a renewed sense of purpose, unity, focus and determination. We must work together to ensure that the benefits of AI impact every village, ward, district, town and city. The ability to achieve greatness is in our nature. This new age of Artificial Intelligence shall equally be conquered and leveraged to quicken socio-economic growth and a higher standard of living for our people. A smarter, more efficient and prosperous Zimbabwe, driven by the proficiency of our people and the promise of technology, is a reality,” he said.
The President also encouraged local businesses to partner in modernising Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector and other industries.
“The use of AI in Financial Technology and the Public Sector is going a long way towards accelerating automation, service delivery, the modernisation of urban planning and land use management, as well as optimising energy distribution. Through this Strategy, the Whole-of-Government and Society Approach must be leveraged towards the realisation of the desired national development aspirations and impactful results. As engines of innovation and adoption, the private sector is challenged to invest in AI, partner with startups to transform our industries and leapfrog our country’s modernisation and industrialisation,” he said.
Launching the strategy at Parliament was symbolic, reflecting the need for legislation to protect citizens, particularly children, from harmful online content.
“Develop solutions, innovate and create as you play your part in building our motherland, Zimbabwe. In this respect, my administration will continue to support the growth of the AI industry, your start-ups and ventures. By launching this strategy here at the New Parliament Building, the sector, along with Parliament, must speed up the development of legislation that will guarantee online protection of our children and minors, in particular against the harmful effects of social media and digital platforms. We have a duty to raise them up in the rich ways of our cultural heritage and traditions, in spite of the inroads made by external influences. We dare not drop the ball,” President Dr Mnangagwa said.
The strategy aligns Zimbabwe with global trends in AI adoption with at least 17 African countries having already integrated AI into national development initiatives.
