Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is pushing for the integration of Artificial Intelligence, coding and robotics into the school curriculum from primary level as the country accelerates efforts to build a digitally-empowered economy.
Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the country cannot afford to remain a consumer of foreign technologies, but must develop its own solutions to drive national development.
Speaking at the Abedai National Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Challenge (ANRAIC) 2026 at Tynwald Primary School in Harare yesterday, Minister Mavetera said the classroom was the starting point for Zimbabwe’s AI journey.
“The classroom is where Zimbabwe’s AI journey truly begins,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the Government will work with stakeholders to implement curriculum reforms that integrate AI, coding and robotics from primary school to equip learners with essential digital skills.
“We must make Artificial Intelligence, coding, and robotics compulsory from primary to secondary education. Digital skills are essential for national development and cannot be optional,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said coding, robotics and AI were critical in nurturing logical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills needed to produce future inventors, researchers and technology leaders.
She said Government will also seek to establish more robotics, coding and AI clubs, as well as innovation laboratories in schools while expanding access to digital infrastructure and teacher training.
Minister Mavetera said the initiatives were part of broader efforts to implement the National AI Strategy 2026-2030 and position Zimbabwe within the global AI ecosystem.
The strategy, she said, sought to promote AI adoption, local research, innovation, responsible use of the technology, talent development and strategic partnerships.
Minister Mavetera said Government’s One Learner, One Device Initiative and the Presidential Internet Scheme were also key to ensuring that learners, including those in underserved rural communities, have access to digital learning opportunities.
“A digital device serves as a modern exercise book, offering endless possibilities for creativity, research, and collaboration.
“However, to truly transform education, reliable internet connectivity is essential,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said Government was equally concerned about the safety of children as more learners gained access to digital technologies.
“A digitally-connected child must also be a digitally protected child. Technology should empower our children, not expose them to harm,” Minister Mavetera said.
She said Government will strengthen implementation of the National Child Online Protection Policy through increased awareness, digital citizenship education and collaboration with parents and technology companies to protect children from cyberbullying, online exploitation, harmful content and digital abuse.
Minister Mavetera also called for stronger partnerships between Government, schools, industry, academia and international organisations to support digital infrastructure and teacher training.
She said Zimbabwe was at a critical juncture in its digital transformation, with AI reshaping economies, robotics transforming manufacturing and the Internet of Things revolutionising sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
“Zimbabwe should not just consume foreign technologies, we must become producers of our own. This means designing software, building intelligent systems, and developing AI solutions tailored to our unique challenges,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the Government’s ultimate goal was to create a generation of young innovators capable of developing technology-based solutions to challenges facing the country.
She urged young innovators to use technology to improve agriculture, transform healthcare, enhance education, modernise mining and protect the environment.
“The future of Zimbabwe will be built not by consumers of technology, but by creators,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the Government’s measures were practical commitments towards achieving Vision 2030 and positioning Zimbabwe as a leading digital economy in Africa.
She urged learners to dream without limits and said world-changing innovations could emerge from anywhere in Zimbabwe.
“Believe in your ideas, be curious, and experiment boldly. Remember, failure is a step toward great innovation. Technology must serve humanity,” Minister Mavetera said.
