Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has called for swift action to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) development benefits all Zimbabweans, regardless of their background or circumstances, stressing that no one should be excluded from the digital economy.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera made the call yesterday at the launch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2025 Human Development Report launch at a High-Level Breakfast Dialogue titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI.
Running under the theme, “Shaping an Inclusive AI Future for Zimbabwe: A Policy and Leadership Conversation,” the dialogue was attended by key dignitaries who included UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, among others.
“This is not merely a report — it is a mirror reflecting our choices and a compass guiding our collective future,” Minister Mavetera said.
“It arrives at a critical juncture, as humanity grapples with intersecting crises — climate upheaval, health disparities and geopolitical instability — while standing on the brink of an AI revolution that could either deepen divides or unlock unprecedented human potential.
“The report is a call to choose a future where digital transformation is not a force of exclusion, but a tool for empowerment. Where technology is not simply adopted but shaped by our values and aspirations.”
She emphasised the need to close digital divides before they become digital chasms.
“The report warns of a dangerous divergence,” she added. “To harness AI’s promise, we must act now to ensure no Zimbabwean — whether a rural farmer, woman entrepreneur, an elder, or a person with disabilities — is excluded from the digital economy. We must actualise the words of His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa whose clarion call is to leave no place behind.”
Dr Odusola weighed in, warning that AI’s potential to drive the country’s 2030 economic goals must be balanced with caution in its development and use.
“Let’s stay away from techno-deterministic narratives about artificial intelligence and resist the idea that AI is a force we must simply accept and adapt to,” he said.
“Let’s instead define what we want from artificial intelligence and collectively decide how we can harness AI to improve people’s lives, from children to adults, and from the youth to the elderly.”
He also warned of AI’s risks, including data privacy threats, misinformation, mental health impacts and high energy demands, which can worsen the global energy crisis.
The latest report, Dr Odusola said, builds on UNDP’s 35-year legacy of producing the Human Development Report, a flagship publication that offers a people-centred perspective on global development issues.
“This year’s report is no exception. It tackles what may well be the defining issue of our time: Artificial Intelligence — what it means for today’s world and what it could mean for the future of humanity.”
Mr Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said: “To fully harness AI’s opportunities, particularly for advancing the SDGs while managing risks, we must collectively ensure human control over AI.”
He also stressed the need for the country to proactively address existing inequalities to ensure AI benefits all segments of society.
“AI can augment human capital development and investments in capacity can empower people to improve education and healthcare outcomes. To achieve this, Zimbabwe should t invest in education and healthcare to enhance human capabilities.
“Furthermore, Zimbabwe can promote a complementarity economy where AI augments human labour rather than replaces it. This can involve policies that incentivise AI to support workers, create new job opportunities, and promote economic diversification.”
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