Peter Tanyanyiwa
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has commenced the development of a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, with the Government saying the move is critical to position the country for inclusive economic growth, technological advancement and improved public service delivery.
The initiative was officially launched during the First Technical Consultative Workshop on the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy held in Harare yesterday and was led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Beaullah Chirume.
In her keynote address, Dr Chirume said Zimbabwe must act decisively to embrace AI as a core tool for national transformation.
“We stand at a critical juncture where the decisions we make today will determine our nation’s trajectory in the digital age. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here and Artificial Intelligence is its driving force,” she said.
Dr Chirume said Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure was growing, supported by over 90 percent mobile penetration and extensive internet access, providing a strong foundation for the development of AI-driven solutions across sectors.
“Our vision is clear—to harness the power of AI to solve our most pressing challenges and unlock new avenues for economic growth. This strategy is not about creating AI for the sake of technology; it is about using AI to improve the lives of our citizens,” she said.
The strategy is being developed following the launch of the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report (AI-RAM), which evaluated the country’s preparedness to adopt AI technologies.
Dr Chirume said the Government will ensure the strategy is inclusive, human-centred and aligned with national priorities under Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the upcoming NDS2, and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan.
“We must now transition from being consumers of AI to becoming developers and exporters of context-relevant AI solutions,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary said there was a need to build a robust AI ecosystem, develop human capital, create a supportive regulatory framework and promote ethical, responsible AI use.
“We must proactively address the ethical implications of AI, ensure robust data governance, and avoid exacerbating digital divides. An AI strategy developed in isolation risks failing to address our national context.”
Stakeholders who attended the workshop included Government officials, academics, private sector leaders, civil society representatives and international partners.
The process was being supported by UNESCO, which is providing both financial and technical assistance.
Dr Chirume said consultations will continue over the coming months, with the strategy expected to define clear governance structures, investment pathways and measurable national outcomes.
Government projects a 6.2 percent GDP growth in 2025, and views AI as a critical driver of economic productivity and competitiveness going forward.
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