Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
INFORMATION Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has called for stronger partnerships between universities, Government and industry to turn artificial intelligence (AI) research into practical solutions that support Zimbabwe’s industrialisation.
Addressing the Midlands State University Research, Innovation and Industrialisation Expo in Gweru on Monday, Minister Mavetera said AI research should address clearly defined problems and produce solutions that could be adopted and sustained by businesses and public institutions.
“Artificial intelligence will contribute to industrialisation when we organise our institutions to turn research into reliable solutions that people can afford, businesses can adopt and public services can sustain,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, launched in March, provided a framework for developing skills, infrastructure, responsible AI adoption and research.
“Our responsibility now is to give that direction practical expression in research institutions, enterprises and communities,” she said.
She urged universities and industry to work together on projects targeting areas such as agricultural productivity, industrial maintenance and municipal services.
“Industry and public institutions should bring problems with named owners, measurable costs, and a genuine willingness to test solutions,” Minister Mavetera said.
She said Government should create conditions for credible local innovations to compete for adoption, including through public procurement that defines problems to be solved and requires evidence of performance.
Minister Mavetera also called for increased investment in shared research infrastructure, including reliable connectivity, power, computing resources and data.
She said Zimbabwe’s digital transformation also requires addressing gaps in digital skills and access.
Citing findings from the 2025 ICT Access by Households and Use by Individuals Survey, she said 56,3 percent of individuals have none of the basic-to-above-basic ICT skills assessed across five areas.
Minister Mavetera said innovators should therefore design technologies that consider the realities faced by users, including uneven connectivity, the cost of devices and data, different languages and varying levels of digital confidence.
She also said there is a need for accountability in the use of AI.
“People should know when a consequential decision involves an automated system, who is responsible for that decision and how an error can be challenged,” she said.
Minister Mavetera challenged MSU and interested partners to develop a focused programme of joint AI and ICT projects over the next 90 days, including identifying priority problems, industry or public-service partners, data requirements and proposals with clear measures of success.
She said the ultimate test of research should be its ability to deliver tangible benefits to farmers, businesses, researchers and citizens.
“Let the work we begin here help a farmer make a better decision, an enterprise produce more reliably, a researcher pursue a promising discovery and a citizen receive a better service,” Minister Mavetera said.
