Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
IT’S all systems go for the inaugural, and highly anticipated Zimpapers Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Conference, scheduled for Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences today (Friday).
The conference which is anchored by The Manica Post is expected to be fully subscribed, with four Cabinet ministers, private sector players, academia, and high school learners in attendance.
Ministers of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology (Dr Fredrick Shava); Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services (Minister Tatenda Mavetera); Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services (Dr Jenfan Muswere); and Primary and Secondary Education (Dr Torerai Moyo) are expected to grace the AI conference, which comes at a time when the country is formulating policies and strategies to adopt and regulate emerging technologies, ensuring the country keeps pace with other nations.
Some of the sponsors and partners on board include NetOne, Dandemutande, TelOne, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Zimbabwe School of Mines, Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing (ZCHPC), Zimbabwe National Defence University, Africa University among others.
AI expert, Dr Evans Sagomba said the conference, will address critical issues around new technologies.
“It is all systems to go for the inaugural AI and Machine Learning Conference, which is the first of its kind to be held in Zimbabwe. We have involved the Government, as they play a crucial role in crafting AI policies and strategies for the country’s adoption. We have also invited representatives from major universities – University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Africa University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, and Great Zimbabwe University – to showcase the AI-related degrees they offer.
“Furthermore, we have extended invitations to high school learners, as a key takeaway from an AI Conference in Rwanda highlighted Africa’s shortage of qualified professionals in this field. To address this, the country needs to develop its own AI-trained talent. The conference will also feature academics specialising in AI, who will lead high-level panel discussions,” said Dr Sagomba.
The Manica Post Editor, Mr Cletus Mushanawani said all arrangements are in place to host this conference, which fosters collaboration between institutions of higher and tertiary education and players in the Information Communication Technology sector.
“We are thrilled to be the first organisation to host this conference aimed at exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and its far-reaching implications for our country.
“We will be bringing together experts and innovators to share their insights and experiences, and we look forward to thought-provoking discussions and debates. We want to urge all attendees to make the most of this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of AI in Manicaland and beyond,” said Mr Mushanawani.
Online Reporter