‎Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital future of Africa following the recent launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), a Cabinet Minister has said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) on March 13 this year at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The five-year roadmap focuses on harnessing AI for sustainable development, focusing on agriculture, health, education, mining, and finance to accelerate the attainment of an upper-middle-income status by 2030.
‎Speaking at the Business Times annual telecommunications conference in the capital on Wednesday, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera said the launch marked a significant milestone in the technological and economic transformation of the country.
She said the development comes at a time when both Zimbabwe and the global economy are undergoing rapid change, with telecommunications increasingly serving as the backbone of modern societies.
‎
“The new strategy underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and inclusive development,” she said.
‎At the core of the strategy are six key pillars designed to guide implementation, namely AI talent and capacity development, infrastructure expansion, AI adoption across sectors, governance and ethics, research and innovation, and international collaboration.
Mavetera said together these pillars aim to establish Zimbabwe as a competitive player in the global AI ecosystem.
‎”The government plans to equip young people with critical digital skills to drive AI adoption across industries. ‎Enhancing the capabilities of our youth is essential to ensuring that Zimbabwe fully participates in the digital economy,” she said.
She said equally important is the development of robust infrastructure to support AI technologies, adding there was need for reliable systems that enable both public and private sector innovation, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and public service delivery.
‎”The strategy also highlights the importance of governance and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible AI use, alongside investment in research and stronger international partnerships,” she said.
‎While Zimbabwe has made strides in expanding connectivity, Mavetera said access alone is not enough, adding that the focus is now shifting toward leveraging connectivity to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and foster innovation.
‎”Telecommunications are no longer just about access—they are about enabling intelligent solutions. ‎The question is how we grow through creativity and innovation powered by AI,” she said.
‎
AI is already transforming the telecommunications sector globally, enabling predictive network management, stronger cybersecurity, improved customer engagement, and new business models, Mavetera said, adding that Zimbabwe aims to replicate and adapt these advancements domestically.
‎
“To ensure inclusivity, the government is rolling out initiatives to broaden participation in the digital economy. Among them is the ambitious 1.5 Million Coding Program, launched in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, which seeks to train young Zimbabweans in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence,” she said.
‎In addition, she said, the government has begun deploying free public Wi-Fi hotspots, with 400 expected to go live initially, with plans to expand to 1 000 by year-end.
‎The initiative is designed to provide affordable connectivity, particularly for young innovators developing digital solutions and prototypes.
‎
‎As Zimbabwe stands at what leaders describe as a “crucial digital juncture,” the success of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy will depend on effective implementation, strong institutions, and sustained investment.
‎
New Ziana
