derick.khumalo
Mthabisi Tshuma
[email protected]
POSTAL and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) director general Dr Gift Machengete has called on the nation to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve Zimbabwe’s own challenges and improve the lives of Zimbabwean people.
He made the remarks at the AI for Impact Challenge Bootcamp in Nyanga on Friday.
Dr Machengete said AI has become the great equaliser of human potential.
“The real question before us as a country is not whether AI will change Zimbabwe because it will. The real question is whether Zimbabwe will harness Artificial Intelligence to solve Zimbabwe’s own challenges and improve the lives of Zimbabwean people. This is because when we speak about impact, we are not talking about algorithms, computer code or powerful machines. We are talking about people.
“What more can a government exist for than for the betterment of its people. That is why the theme of this Challenge, which is AI for Impact, could not be more appropriate as it is people centred,” said Dr Machengete.
He said the impact should be felt in all the corners of Zimbabwe.
“Imagine a nurse in Binga receiving AI-assisted clinical guidance where no specialist doctor is available. That is impact. Imagine a teacher in Tsholotsho preparing personalised learning material in isiNdebele or Shona within minutes, ensuring that every learner receives content suited to his or her own pace and circumstances. That is impact.
“Imagine a visually impaired learner listening to every textbook, every lesson and every examination guide through AI-powered assistive technologies. That is impact. Imagine Government delivering faster, smarter and more responsive public services because decisions are informed by real-time data and intelligent analysis. That is impact and the vision for this AI for Impact Challenge is to make such impact,” said Dr Machengete.
He said the journey began with the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in March 2026 by President Mnangagwa.
“The strategy called for the establishment of an AI Grand Challenge to identify, nurture and accelerate Zimbabwean innovation, which challenge we have dubbed The AI for Impact Challenge. Under this challenge, the Authority received project proposals from 738 individuals from across Zimbabwe, submitted by students, entrepreneurs, researchers, software developers and innovators from all walks of life. Every submission underwent a rigorous and transparent evaluation process based on innovation, technical feasibility, responsible AI principles, implementation potential and sectoral relevance.
“From this process, only 60 individuals were selected to participate in the Nyanga Bootcamp. Over the past several days, the innovators have worked closely with mentors and industry experts to refine their ideas, strengthen their solutions and prepare them for real-world application. Their innovations span sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, financial technology, cybersecurity and public service delivery, demonstrating AI’s potential to address Zimbabwe’s most pressing challenges,” said Dr Machengete.
Dr Machengete said the most promising projects will now progress to the next phase of mentorship, testing and commercialisation through strategic partnerships, including with the International Telecommunication Union AI/Machine Learning SandboxHub.
“To our winners, this recognition is not the destination but the beginning of a greater responsibility. We look forward to supporting your journey as your ideas grow into solutions that improve the lives of Zimbabweans.
“A special word goes to those whose names may not be called this afternoon. Remember innovation is not measured by one competition or one award. It is measured by the courage to keep solving problems, even when success does not come immediately,” said Dr Machengete.
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