Story by Memory Chamisa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment towards enhancing technological advancement as it shifts from being a passive consumer of technology to a creator and innovator.
Addressing guests at a local telecommunications company AI programme launch in Harare this Thursday, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, noted that government is providing necessary regulatory, ethical, and infrastructural frameworks for innovations to thrive.
“The future of AI in Zimbabwe relies on our people engineers, data scientists, and young innovators. By utilising our high literacy rate and the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework, we’re creating a strong AI talent ecosystem that fosters innovation and adapts to change. The success of our AI transformation hinges on the quality and inclusivity of this talent base.
“We are focusing on AI governance, ethics, and regulatory frameworks. We aim to create a strong, pan-African governance model for ethical AI use that safeguards human rights and fosters public trust, while positioning Zimbabwe as a leader in responsible AI governance. We are pushing AI research, development, and innovation. Our goal is to establish Zimbabwe as a hub for advanced AI research, promoting scientific discovery and local innovation.
By enhancing both fundamental and applied research, we seek to shift from technology consumers to producers of competitive AI solutions, fostering a sustainable innovation ecosystem. It is within this context that today’s launch becomes highly significant, because public–private partnerships are central to the successful implementation of our national strategy.
“While, as Government, we have the responsibility to develop enabling policy frameworks and craft broad strategic blueprints that dovetail with our National Development Strategy, we require the ingenuity, innovation and investment of the private sector to make it a reality. As the Government, we are committed to creating a conducive environment that fuels innovation, growth, and creativity through supportive policies, sound regulatory guardrails, and continued investment in digital infrastructure,” she said.
