Online Reporter
Dr Evans Sagomba
Everything AI
ZIMBABWE’S National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2020 is built on six strategic pillars, each one acting like a foundation stone for the country’s digital future.
In last week’s article, we looked at the first three pillars, infrastructure, skills, and governance, which set the stage for AI to take root.
Now, let us turn to the remaining three pillars, found on Pages 28 to 39 of the strategy.
These are equally important, and they speak directly to how AI will be applied in our daily lives, how it will be funded and supported, and how Zimbabwe will position itself globally.
This week, I will unpack Pillar Four, Pillar Five, and Pillar Six, so that anyone, whether a commuter in Sakubva, a farmer in Mutasa, Buhera, Makoni, Fombe, or a student in Mutare, can understand what they mean and why they matter.
Pillar Four: Sectoral Applications (AI in Everyday Life)
This pillar is about taking AI out of the textbooks and laboratories and putting it into the real world. It asks: how can AI help in agriculture, health, education, mining, transport, and even governance? In other words, it is about practical uses that touch ordinary lives. Take agriculture. Zimbabwe is a farming nation, and AI can help farmers predict rainfall, detect crop diseases, and manage soil health. Imagine a farmer in Chisumbanje using a simple phone app that tells him/her when to plant maize based on weather predictions. That is AI at work. It saves time, reduces risk, and increases yields.
In healthcare, AI can help doctors diagnose illnesses faster. A rural clinic in Tsholotsho can use AI-powered tools to analyse symptoms and suggest possible treatments.
This does not replace doctors but supports them, especially where resources are limited. It can also help track disease outbreaks, ensuring quicker responses.
Education is another area. AI can personalise learning.
A student in Lupane can use an AI tutor that adjusts lessons to her pace, helping her understand maths or science better. Teachers can also use AI to mark assignments faster, freeing up time to focus on teaching.
Mining and industry benefit too. AI can improve safety by predicting equipment failures before accidents happen. It can also help identify mineral deposits more accurately, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Transport is another sector. AI can be used to manage traffic in Harare, reducing congestion and saving fuel. It can also improve logistics for businesses, ensuring goods move faster and more efficiently.
Even governance can benefit. AI can help Government departments process data faster, detect corruption, and improve service delivery.
For example, AI can be used to track how funds are spent in local councils, ensuring accountability.
Therefore, Pillar Four is about making AI practical.
It says: Let us use AI to solve real problems in everyday sectors. It is about bringing technology closer to the people, not keeping it locked in offices or universities.
Pillar Five: Funding, Investment, and Partnerships
Now, ideas and visions are good, but they need money and support to become a reality. Pillar Five is about ensuring that Zimbabwe has the resources to build and sustain its AI journey. Funding is critical. AI projects require investment in infrastructure, training, and research. The Government cannot do it alone. This pillar calls for partnerships with the private sector, universities, and international organisations.
It says: Let us pool resources and work together.
Investment also means supporting start-ups and innovators. Young Zimbabweans with ideas should not be left stranded because they lack funding. This pillar encourages the creation of innovation hubs and incubators where start-ups can access mentorship, funding, and networks.
Imagine a young graduate in Bulawayo who designs an AI app for small businesses. With proper support, that idea could grow into a company that creates jobs and solutions.
Partnerships are equally important. Zimbabwe must work with regional and global partners to share knowledge and resources.
For example, collaborating with South Africa or Kenya, which already have strong AI ecosystems, can help Zimbabwe learn and grow faster.
Partnerships with universities abroad can also bring in expertise and training opportunities.
This pillar also speaks to sustainability. Funding should not be a one-off event. It must be continuous, ensuring that AI projects do not collapse after a few years. This requires proper planning, accountability, and transparency in how funds are used. In other words, Pillar Five is about money and collaboration. It says: let us invest in AI, support innovators, and build partnerships that sustain our journey. Without funding and partnerships, AI will remain a dream. With them, it becomes a reality.
Pillar Six: International Positioning and Global Competitiveness
The final pillar looks outward. It asks: How will Zimbabwe position itself in the global AI landscape? This is about ensuring that our country is not just a consumer of technology but a contributor and competitor. International positioning means showcasing Zimbabwe as a hub of ethical and inclusive AI.
It is about saying to the world: we have our own vision, rooted in hunhu/ubuntu, and we are ready to share it. This can attract investment, partnerships, and recognition.
Global competitiveness means ensuring that Zimbabwean AI solutions can stand alongside those from other countries.
For example, if a Zimbabwean start-up develops an AI tool for agriculture, it should be good enough to be used in Zambia, Malawi, or even Europe.
This requires high standards, innovation, and continuous improvement. This pillar also emphasises diplomacy.
Zimbabwe must engage in international discussions on AI ethics, governance, and development. By participating in global forums, we can ensure that our voice is heard and our interests are protected.
Importantly, international positioning is not just about prestige. It has practical benefits. It can attract foreign investment, open markets for Zimbabwean products, and create opportunities for our youth.
For example, a Zimbabwean AI researcher could collaborate with a university in Canada, bringing knowledge and networks back home. One should know that pillar Six is about looking beyond our borders.
It says: Let us position Zimbabwe as a serious player in the global AI space. Let us compete, collaborate, and contribute.
Connecting the Last Three Pillars
When we look at Pillars Four, Five, and Six together, we see a clear progression.
Pillar Four brings AI into everyday life, making it practical and useful. Pillar Five ensures that there is money and support to sustain these projects. Pillar Six positions Zimbabwe globally, ensuring that our efforts are recognised and competitive. Together, these pillars complete the foundation. The first three pillars (infrastructure, skills, governance) set the stage. The last three (applications, funding, international positioning) bring the vision to life and ensure sustainability.
Why These Pillars Matter
Let us bring this closer to home. Imagine a farmer in Mutoko, Murombedzi, Chirumanzu, Mabasa, or Chipinge. Pillar Four ensures he/she has AI tools to improve his/her crops.
Pillar Five ensures these tools are funded and supported. Pillar Six ensures that his/her tools are recognised globally, opening markets for his/her produce.
Or think of a student in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Chinhoyi or Harare. Pillar Four gives him/her AI-powered learning tools.
Pillar Five ensures that the start-up idea can be funded.
Pillar Six ensures he/she can compete internationally, bringing pride to Zimbabwe. These pillars are not abstract. They are promises that AI will be practical, funded, and globally recognised. They are about ensuring that Zimbabwe does not just join the AI revolution but leads it in its own way. For ordinary Zimbabweans, this means better farming, healthcare, education, and business opportunities.
It means jobs, innovation, and pride. It means a Zimbabwe that is not just catching up but leading. We are not just joining the AI revolution; we are shaping it in our own way, with our own values, for our own people.
Dr Evans Sagomba is a Doctor of Philosophy and Chartered Marketer (CMktr, FCIM) with an MPhil and PhD in Philosophy. He specialises in AI, Ethics, and Policy Research, and is an AI Governance and Policy Consultant. Master’s and PhD supervisor. AI Ethics and Governance Lecturer. [email protected] Social media handles; LinkedIn; @ Dr. Evans Sagomba (MSc Marketing) (FCIM)(MPhil) (PhD)
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