Zimbabwe is establishing new technological support platforms and oversight agencies to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of a five-year strategy aimed at driving adoption of the increasingly popular and disruptive technology.
As part of the National AI Strategy (2026-2030), Zimbabwe will establish an AI implementation agency and a regulatory sandbox.
The National AI and Data Platform, which will be gradually introduced, will provide countrywide datasets, relative infrastructure, and computing power for Zimbabwe's AI development.
The AI Strategy Implementation Office, which falls under the country's AI Strategy, will be based in the Ministry of ICT and be responsible for driving AI projects in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe will also establish the National digital Regulatory Committee as the regulatory custodian, which would report to the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa indicated at the launch of the five-year AI Strategy on Friday in Harare that the "legal parameters (being) put in place" to control AI in the country were for the "protection of national interests as well as the dignity" of Zimbabweans.
Zimbabwe's AI strategy aims to build high-performance computing, sovereign data platforms, data centres, and secure inclusive connectivity.
The plan is designed to accelerate AI adoption and improve service, among other things.
According to Edward Kallon, the UN's resident coordinator in Zimbabwe, the country can only reach its full AI potential by investing in digital skills.
This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing serious brain drain in the IT sector, as professionals seek better job possibilities outside the country.
Mnangagwa stated that in order to implement the AI Strategy, Zimbabwean businesses must recruit young brilliant and skilled Zimbabweans who have settled in other countries to assist with AI development in the country.
He said with the correct investments in digital skills, data infrastructure, and research and innovation ecosystems, Zimbabwe can create solutions that empower farmers, improve healthcare delivery, optimise mining operations, and transform public service delivery.
According to Tofara Chokera, a 2023 TechWomen Fellow, collaboration is critical to Zimbabwe's AI Strategy. She advocated for investments in digital skills, data infrastructure, and innovation across all sectors of Zimbabwe's economy.
Tamuka Marega, a data analyst, stated that, while Zimbabwe currently faces infrastructure challenges such as power and connectivity, the country has a strong skills base that could fuel its AI ambitions.
Zimbabwe is presently experiencing power outages that have prompted IT and telecom companies to rely on solar and energy storage solutions.
To counter these disadvantages, Zimbabwe is rooting for an open data initiative as part of the AI strategy that will make government data accessible for AI development while safeguarding privacy and security.
“Common data standards will promote interoperability across sectors and robust data quality management will ensure AI systems rely on accurate, reliable information,” notes the Zimbabwe AI Strategy.
“Dedicated AI system support centres will provide technical assistance and maintenance across sectors, while professional vendor management will ensure high-quality products and services.”
Dr Dennis Magaya, chairman of the AI Institute Africa, explained that Zimbabwe's AI Strategy outlines a broader national agenda centred on governance, research, and international alliances, with indigenous knowledge and local-language technology serving as the foundation for the country's AI capabilities.
"Compared with several countries in SADC, Zimbabwe's strategy also stands out for its strong governance structure and emphasis on national coordination, which could help align public institutions around common AI priorities" said Dr. Magaya in an interview with ITWeb Africa on Sunday.
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