Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s digital transformation drive is shifting from aspiration to execution with the nation advancing toward Vision 2030 under the second National Development Strategy (NDS2: 2026–2030).
In an interview, Innotec Creative Solutions board chairman, Mr Philemon Togarepi, whose organisation is hosting an AI masterclass in Bulawayo next week, said emphasis should not be on abstract theory but about embedding AI into Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
He said business leaders must move beyond policy rhetoric to actionable strategies that deliver inclusive growth.
“AI must be treated as a tool for execution discipline, directly linked to Vision 2030’s productivity and innovation targets,” he said.
“It needs business leaders who can translate AI strategy into inclusive growth, modern institutions and accelerated national development.
“AI must be integrated with governance checklists and ethical guardrails. This is how we build trust and confidence in digital modernisation.”
Mr Togarepi said there is need to focus on sector-specific use cases that matter to Zimbabwe’s development.
“From predictive infrastructure maintenance to smart agriculture, AI can directly improve livelihoods,” said Mr Togarepi.
He argued that AI readiness signals to investors that Zimbabwe is serious about regulatory clarity and scalable innovation.
“A country that builds AI leadership capability sends a positive signal to investors. It shows seriousness about digital modernisation and accountability,” he said.
