derick.khumalo
Mthabisi Tshuma
[email protected]
THE Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services is on course of setting up an AI Startup Unit which is meant to complement the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030).
In March 2026, Government launched the strategy which aims to accelerate digital transformation, economic growth and innovation.
It also focuses on responsible AI adoption, talent development, and infrastructure development to align with Vision 2030 and Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
Addressing delegates at the AI for Impact Challenge Bootcamp in Nyanga on Friday, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said there are putting various mechanisms to expedite the use of AI in Zimbabwe.
“The Government I serve is ready to be your partner, your first customer and your global ambassador. I have directed the Permanent Secretary to operationalise an AI Startup Unit within the Ministry that will work as a concierge, helping high-potential ventures navigate procurement, standards and international partnerships. Consider the red tape cut.
“The AI for Impact (AI4I) Challenge is the practical implementation of the AI Grand Challenge envisioned in Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This program identifies and strengthens promising Artificial Intelligence use cases and prepares suitable projects for further testing, partnership, piloting or commercial support. This ceremony concludes an important phase of a national program,” said Minister Mavetera.
She said to ensure that innovations from the event translate into tangible national development outcomes, Government will pursue five immediate priorities under the implementation framework of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
“First, Government will work with Potraz, the Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing and relevant Ministries to identify high-potential innovations emerging from this Challenge for pilot implementation within strategic sectors such as agriculture, health, education and public administration. We are committed to ensuring that promising ideas progress beyond demonstration into real-world deployment.
“Second, Government will continue engaging development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to establish sustainable financing mechanisms that support Artificial Intelligence innovators from proof of concept to commercialisation.
Innovation requires not only brilliant ideas but also patient capital capable of transforming those ideas into successful enterprises,” said Minister Mavetera.
Minister Mavetera said they will ensue there are more trainings in regards with AI.
“Third, we shall strengthen Zimbabwe’s Artificial Intelligence talent pipeline by expanding partnerships between universities, research institutions and industry while integrating advanced AI training into programmes such as the 1.5 Million Coders Programme. Our ambition is to position Zimbabwe not merely as a consumer of Artificial Intelligence technologies but as a regional producer of innovative AI solutions.
“Fourth, Government will accelerate the implementation of responsible Artificial Intelligence governance by strengthening ethical standards, cybersecurity, data governance and regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while protecting citizens’ rights and building public confidence in AI systems. Finally, I am pleased to announce that the AI for Impact Challenge will become a recurring national innovation platform under the AI Grand Challenge established by the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This will provide innovators with continuous opportunities to develop solutions, access mentorship, engage investors and contribute directly to Zimbabwe’s national development priorities,” said Minister Mavetera.
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