Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Bureau
ENGINEERS have been urged to rapidly master cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, digital twins and green technologies, to meet the demands of modern infrastructure development.
The call was made by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, who said the adoption of digital engineering and climate adaptation strategies, is no longer optional but essential for building a sustainable and resilient future for the nation.
He said this while addressing delegates at the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers Infrastructure Investment Conference here in Victoria Falls recently.
“To meet the evolving demands of infrastructure investment, engineers today must also master a range of emerging and future skills.
“Digital engineering, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins and simulation technologies, is now central to project planning and execution,” he said.
“Artificial intelligence and data analytics are revolutionising infrastructure monitoring, predictive maintenance and risk assessment. Smart infrastructure systems, whether in transport, energy, housing, or water, require engineers who can integrate sensors, automation, IoT and real-time analytics into project design.”
Prof Mavima said green engineering skills are increasingly essential, as Zimbabwe advances its climate adaptation strategies, renewable energy targets, and environmental sustainability commitments.
“Skills in renewable energy systems, circular economy design, waste-to-energy technologies, and eco-friendly materials must be mainstreamed across engineering training and practice,” he added.
“As a ministry, we encourage institutions of higher learning and professional bodies to embed business-oriented skills into engineering curricula, so that Zimbabwean engineers become globally competitive and investment-ready.”
He said his ministry was tasked to continuously assess the skills landscape of the country and the alignment of human capital with national priorities such as digital transformation, industrialisation, climate resilience and infrastructure modernisation.
“When we assessed the skills landscape in 2024, one consistent finding is that engineering remains one of the most decisive and high-impact skill needed for national prosperity,” said the minister.
“When you imagine the growth of every sector you will understand that engineers are the architects of physical progress — from roads that strengthen regional integration, to water and sanitation systems that safeguard public health, to energy systems that power industries, to digital infrastructure that connects citizens to the opportunities of the world,” he said.
It is, therefore, urgent that the country does not only produce engineers, but engineers of the highest calibre, engineers that are ethical, innovative, future-ready, and driven by a deep devotion to excellence and national service.
“Their knowledge ensures that projects are properly conceptualised, costed and aligned with long-term development frameworks such as NDS1, NDS2 and Vision 2030.
“Engineers also serve as custodians of quality, safety and environmental stewardship. They ensure that infrastructure does not only get built quickly, but built correctly, efficiently and responsibly,” he said.
“They are also invaluable advisors on risk, resilience, and innovation, helping both Government and private sector institutions to adopt solutions that stand the test of time.”
In an era of rapid technological change, climate uncertainty, and rising economic complexity, Prof Mavima said engineers must be both problem-solvers and futurists, anticipating challenges before they appear and crafting solutions that elevate all communities.
He said the strength of the national engineering capacity depends not only on technical skills but also on character with major infrastructure projects demanding individuals who embody integrity, discipline, accountability and honesty.
Prof Mavima also said corruption and poor workmanship are enemies of development as they derail national budgets, compromise public safety and erode trust.
“Therefore, engineers must be guided by the highest ethical standards, because the strength of our infrastructure is ultimately the strength of our national values.
“Excellence must be non-negotiable. Precision must be habitual. Transparency must be instinctive. Engineers who carry these attributes do not only construct roads and dams, but they build confidence, dignity and hope within the nation,” he said.
The Government heavily relies on the engineering profession to be a shining example of ethical leadership within technical practice.
Beyond ethics, he said there are critical attributes that engineers must possess to drive impactful national projects.
“They must be analytical thinkers capable of diagnosing complex challenges and proposing practical, data-driven solutions. They must be multidisciplinary, comfortable navigating economics, environmental science, digital technologies, management and public policy.
“They must be adaptable, able to work in environments that demand quick decision-making, innovation and cross-sector collaboration,” said Prof Mavima.
“You must also have strong communication skills to enable you to articulate technical concepts to policymakers, financiers, communities and international partners are essential for mobilising investment and fostering stakeholder buy-in.”
