National AI policy framework completed

Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare

GOVERNMENT has completed the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework as the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa accelerates digital transformation in Zimbabwe through embracing new technologies to drive solid development and improve ordinary people’s livelihoods.

Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, said this in remarks during the recent 2024 Cyber Security Awareness Month Symposium that was held in Harare in conjunction with the University of Zimbabwe.

The event was held under the theme: “Building Cyber Resilience Through AI: Collaborative Security for a Secure Digital Future”. Dr Mavetera said the digital transformation drive was founded on policy and tangible deployment of connectivity.

“An AI Policy Framework has already been completed while some conversations have already been held with players such as MISA Zimbabwe. To this end we must conclude all pending policies and legislative matters such as the AI policy, The Postal and Courier Services Policy, The Child Online Safety Policy, E-Waste Policy,

ICT Start-Up Policy, the E-commerce and E-Transactions Bill as well as amendments to the Postal and Telecommunications Act,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said there is a need to also develop policies that deal with other disruptive technologies such as IoT, Block Chain Technology and Machine Learning.

“The Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan proposes that the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services becomes the focal point for all national ICT projects and programmes,” she said.

Dr Mavetera also hinted that her ministry will soon establish a multi-stakeholder AI Committee that will act as an advisory body, drawing members from key sectors and fields.

These include, among others, public service, finance, ICTs, media and broadcasting, health services, civic society, academia, agriculture and transport.
Minister Mavetera said Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for the safe use and promotion of Artificial Intelligence in Zimbabwe.

“We are committed and this is confirmed by the existence of the Cyber and Data Protection Act as well as our other efforts, which will soon see the unveiling of our National Artificial Intelligence Policy,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said the laws and policies were not the responsibility of Government alone and as such she was urging all stakeholders, particularly those in academia to share their thoughts and opinions on how Zimbabwe could better and safely regulate the deployment of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.

“The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is committed to ensuring that we meet the challenges posed by the cyber world head-on,” she said.
Through collaborations with academic institutions like the University of Zimbabwe, the private sector and international partners, Dr Mavetera said Zimbabwe’s cybersecurity posture will continue to be enhanced. “Cybersecurity is indeed our shared responsibility,” she added.

Dr Mavetera, who was accompanied by her deputy, Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, also launched the UZ Student’s Cybersecurity Association.

“This is a noble initiative that my ministry will fully support. The ministry supports such initiatives that cultivate research and foster innovation among our students. Government alone cannot secure Zimbabwe’s cyberspace,” she said.

Dr Mavetera said there is a need for all stakeholders, from individual citizens to corporate leaders and educational institutions to join forces and contribute their expertise, resources and time towards building a safe and resilient digital environment.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Phuti said the symposium was a testament to the fruitful partnership between the ministry and academic institutions, UZ in particular, whose generous support has been instrumental in making the event possible. – @mthabisi_mthire.