Londile Moyo
Rutendo Nyeve
THE Government is set to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national school curriculum by 2027 as part of a broader strategy to position Zimbabwe as a producer of cutting-edge technology rather than merely a consumer.
Speaking at the Zim CEO Policy Roundtable held in Victoria Falls last week, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is moving to embed AI literacy into learning syllabuses.
“We want to make sure that AI is embedded in our national curriculum starting 2027. The move is part of Government’s commitment to preparing young Zimbabweans for future jobs and innovations,” said Minister Mavetera.
The initiative is a core component of the country’s newly launched Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a blueprint officially unveiled by President Mnangagwa two weeks ago.
The strategy is built on six strategic pillars, with skills development and education taking precedence.
Minister Mavetera said beyond curriculum integration, Government will roll out AI literacy programmes, skills directories and mentorship pipelines to create a robust talent pool capable of driving digital transformation.
“We need to upskill, re-skill and skill our workforce. One of the greatest pillars we have is on skills development, and at the same time making sure that we are ready for the AI revolution,” she said.
Infrastructure development, particularly digital connectivity and hyperscale data centres, forms the second pillar.
She said connectivity would serve as the foundation for AI adoption, supported by legislation such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
The Minister said the strategic intent behind the AI drive is threefold: achieving economic sovereignty, ensuring inclusive development and preserving Zimbabwean culture through the embedding of Ubuntu values into technological advancement.
“We need to avoid simply importing foreign imperatives without grounding innovation in local values,” she said.
The strategy targets transformation across key economic sectors, including agriculture, mining and tourism, which are pillars of the National Development Strategy 2.
To steer implementation, Government has established an inter-ministerial committee and is working towards a private sector-led AI institute.
The strategy will be rolled out in four phases, anchored by flagship programmes such as the AI Grand Challenge and Project Pangolin.
Minister Mavetera also acknowledged challenges such as AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes, calling for a ring-fenced implementation budget and an AI investment prospectus to guide public and private efforts.
Online Reporter