Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera has called on SADC parliaments to take a proactive role in regulating, legitimising and ensure there is adequate funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI) so as to align with regional development goals and ethical standards.
Speaking during a Zoom meeting at the 57th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Minister Mavetera said there is need for legislative oversight to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks.
“AI will not replace humans, but those who use AI will replace those who do not,” Minister Mavetera quoted former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, underscoring the urgency for SADC nations to adopt a unified approach to AI governance.
She urged parliaments to legislate foundational laws, approve treaties, oversee implementation and protect citizens by finalising a model AI law, establishing a committee on AI Ethics, and mandating annual AI capacity readiness reports to Parliament.
“We also need to consider your critical role of funding and I would urge SADC parliaments to approve national budgets for AI and create a Parliamentary AI Audit office to track fund efficiency and mandate skills audits,” she said.
Minister Mavetera advocated for a SADC PF declaration on parliamentary appropriation of a fixed minimum percentage of the ICT budget for AI, ensuring sustained investment in AI research, infrastructure, and skills development.
Minister warned against over-reliance on foreign AI systems, highlighting Speaker of Parliament Advocate Mudenda, who cautioned that such dependence could reinforce existing inequalities and compromise national sovereignty.
“To counter this, I propose a SADC AI Governance Council co-chaired by rotating ministers and speakers to coordinate regulations and monitor threats,” she said.
Minister Mavetera urged executives to pool data and resources while parliaments legitimise data sharing and allocate budgets.
“SADC unity is our force multiplier and we should harmonise policies, pooled research resources and ethical AI prioritisation,” she said.
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derick.khumalo