Zimbabwe is seeking to establish itself as a business-process outsourcing (BPO) and IT services hub by partnering with Indian technology companies to create jobs, attract investment and increase foreign currency earnings.
Speaking ahead of the India–Africa Tech and Entrepreneurship Summit, held from 28 to 29 October at the Hyatt Regency Harare, ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera said the partnerships could develop the local technology sector through investment in data centres, connectivity and skills development.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Mavetera said Zimbabwe could leverage its English-speaking workforce and strategic location to serve regional and international markets.
A key part of the strategy is Pangolin, the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform and a flagship initiative of the National AI Strategy 2026-2030.
The state-backed platform provides sovereign data and high-performance computing infrastructure, designed to keep sensitive national records within Zimbabwe while giving local start-ups and researchers the tools to develop home-grown AI solutions.
“What this means for Zimbabwe's ICT sector and BPOs is jobs — Indian BPO and IT services firms partnering here means employment for our young, English-speaking talent. Export earnings, Zimbabwe positioned as a nearshore BPO and IT services destination for African and global markets. Skills transfer — training and certification AI, data, cybersecurity, and service delivery. Investment in data centres, connectivity, and joint ventures. Our platform, Pangolin AI, gives local firms sovereign infrastructure to build on,” noted Mavetera.
While the initiatives offer opportunities for skills transfer, Zimbabwe’s success will depend on its ability to develop the digital infrastructure needed to support technology-intensive businesses.
“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for co-creation, and we bring the talent, the location, and the reforms,” said the minister.
Mavetera said Pangolin AI would give local researchers tools to innovate while enabling the government to safeguard privacy and security from the planning stage. The infrastructure is scheduled to become fully operational in the first quarter of 2027.
“I call upon our tech ecosystem to seize this platform. The government remains committed to responsible AI that strengthens businesses, improves public services, and creates opportunities for all Zimbabweans. Let us build solutions that are not just technologically advanced, but distinctly Zimbabwean,” she concluded.
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