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Gibson Mhaka
DEMONSTRATING its unwavering commitment to rural development, the Cabinet has approved the Presidential Rural Solarisation Project, a move which marks a pivotal moment in the Government’s efforts to improve the lives of rural citizens.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the project was presented by the Minister of State Security Lovemore Matuke, as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
“Cabinet approved the Presidential Solarisation Project which is a livelihoods initiative aimed at providing sustainable renewable solar energy to household beneficiaries across the eight rural provinces of the country.
“The Project targets approximately 200 000 beneficiaries a year and will run for a period of five years starting from 2025. The Rural Infrastructural
“Development Agency (RIDA) will oversee the implementation of the Project through an Inter- Ministerial Steering Committee architecture incorporating experts from local universities,” said Minister Muswere.
Dr Muswere said the project will be financed by Government and other stakeholders.
It will provide affordable but advanced solar technologies (batteries, inverters, solar panels and cables) to power gadgets such as light bulbs, radios, televisions, phone chargers, laptops, small refrigerators, submersible pumps and WiFi.
“Local youths and women will be trained to participate in the installation programmes implemented in the districts and villages across the eight rural provinces of the country,” said Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere also said Cabinet has approved the Proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Framework which was presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Fredrick Shava as the Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Innovation, Technology Development and Application.
He said the Proposed AI Strategy Framework is aligned to the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
“Cabinet wishes to advise that the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy is also aligned to the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan and is aimed at driving economic growth through industrialization by promoting the adoption of AI technologies in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and services.
“The Strategy focuses on modernizing Zimbabwe’s economy and transitioning from a resource-based economy to one driven by technology and innovation.
“It emphasises on developing digital infrastructure, such as high-capacity fiber networks and 5G technologies, as these are essential for enabling AI adoption across various sectors of the economy,” said Minister Muswere.
Online Reporter