Online Reporter
Good day Zimbabwe.
Today we are coming to you live from the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the official launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Ahead of the ceremony, the President will tour exhibition stands mounted by local information, communication and technology companies showcasing innovations in connectivity, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Internet service providers and tech firms are demonstrating advances in fibre connectivity, cloud services, data management and other platforms that can underpin AI solutions across agriculture, health, education, industry and more.
The national strategy being launched today sets out Zimbabwe’s roadmap for the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence — guiding policy, research and investment while promoting innovation to boost service delivery, productivity and economic growth.
Stay with us for live updates as the President visits exhibitors, receives briefings and unveils the Government’s vision for AI in Zimbabwe.
President arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the New Parliament Building for the official launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
He was welcomed by an AI-powered robot named Yamurai, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda; ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera; Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa; Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Fredrick Shava; Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo; Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire and other Government ministers.
The President Mnangagwa is now touring various stands where companies are exhibiting AI-powered technologies.
Accelerating AI adoption
The launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) is running under the theme “Harnessing AI for inclusive development.”
The strategy aims to accelerate digital transformation, economic growth, and innovation.
It focuses on responsible AI adoption, talent development, and infrastructure development to align with Vision 2030 and Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
The strategy has six key pillars of development, that is:
talent and capacity building,
infrastructure,
computational sovereignty,
adoption/service transformation,
governance/ethics,
and international collaboration.
‘AI crucial in developing nation’
President Mnangagwa has walked into the main auditorium where the launch will be held.
To commence the programme, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo delivered her welcome remarks.
“As a host province, we feel deeply honoured that such a milestone is being held in our province,” said Minister Chombo.
She said it is quite befitting that a strategy that helps to shape the future of the country is being held in her province at an iconic and magnificent building – the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon said AI is crucial in developing a nation.
He congratulated Zimbabwe for launching the AI strategy.
“The true test of this strategy will be on implementation. There is also need for continued dialogue between the Government and the private sector. As the UN family, we are ready to support Zimbabwe,” said Mr Kallon.
AI a catalyst for modernisation: President Mnangagwa
President Mnangagwa has highlighted the role played by Artificial Intelligence, saying AI is at the heart of seismic technological transformation, reshaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace.
The President said this today while delivering his keynote address at the launch of the strategy.
“The current paradigm brings to the fore the urgent need to increase capacities towards digital architecture and sovereignty. The Zimbabwe we all envision must be a digitally robust and agile.
“We have the duty to embrace emerging technologies to unlock numerous Artificial Intelligence-driven opportunities that will propel modernisation, industrialisation, and sustainable economic growth,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy will undoubtedly ignite a new chapter in our country’s ongoing development trajectory.”
