The risks and benefits of foreign AI technology in Zimbabwe

Godfrey Nyoni

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is becoming one of the most influential technologies in the world.

Across different countries, AI is being used in banking, healthcare, education, agriculture, security systems, transport and government services.

Zimbabwe is also moving towards greater digital transformation as more institutions adopt online systems and digital tools.

Businesses now depend on cloud services, schools use online learning platforms, banks rely on digital transactions and government departments are slowly introducing smarter technologies to improve service delivery.

Most of these systems are powered by technology developed outside Zimbabwe.

This has created an important national debate about whether Zimbabwe should trust foreign technology with critical systems, sensitive information and the country’s digital future.

This issue goes beyond technology alone.

It also involves national identity, independence, security, sovereignty and control over information.

Opportunities and risks of foreign technology

In the past, countries focused mainly on protecting physical borders and natural resources.

Today, digital systems and data have become equally important.

The countries that control technology increasingly influence economies, communication systems and even public opinion.

As AI continues growing rapidly around the world, Zimbabwe must carefully consider both the opportunities and risks that come with relying heavily on foreign technology.

Foreign technology refers to digital systems, software, online platforms and AI tools that are created and controlled outside Zimbabwe.

This includes cloud hosting services, imported cybersecurity software, social media platforms, surveillance systems, communication tools and AI-powered applications used by businesses and government institutions.

Most of the world’s most advanced AI technologies are owned by large international companies based mainly in countries such as the United States and China.

These companies invest billions of dollars into research and development, allowing them to create highly advanced systems that many developing countries cannot yet produce locally.

Zimbabwe uses foreign technology for several reasons.

One of the main reasons is advanced innovation.

International technology companies have access to large financial resources, highly skilled experts and advanced infrastructure.

Their AI systems are often faster, powerful and more efficient than what many smaller economies can currently develop on their own.

For Zimbabwean businesses and institutions, using existing foreign systems is often more practical than trying to build entirely new local platforms from the ground up.

Another reason is cost and accessibility.

Building local AI infrastructure requires large investments in data centres, internet infrastructure, research facilities and technical training.

Many Zimbabwean organisations may not have the resources to create advanced systems independently.

Using foreign platforms, therefore, becomes the easier and quicker option.

In some cases, foreign technology allows businesses and institutions to modernise faster than they otherwise could.

Zimbabwe is also still developing its local digital infrastructure and AI expertise.

While the country has talented young developers and growing interest in technology, there are still challenges involving internet access, electricity stability research funding and specialised AI training.

Because of these limitations, foreign systems currently fill many important gaps.

Despite these challenges, foreign AI technology offers several important benefits.

In healthcare, AI tools can help doctors analyse medical information and improve diagnosis support.

In agriculture, AI systems can assist farmers by predicting rainfall patterns, monitoring crops and identifying diseases early.

In banking, AI improves fraud detection and strengthens online security systems.

Businesses can use AI to automate customer support, analyse market trends and improve efficiency.

Schools and universities can also benefit from AI-powered educational tools that personalise learning and improve access to information.

These technologies can help Zimbabwe modernise faster and compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

AI itself is not the problem.

Data control and national security

The real concern is the level of dependence on foreign systems and the amount of control external organisations may have over Zimbabwe’s digital environment.

One of the biggest concerns is data control.

AI systems depend heavily on data to function effectively.

Many foreign platforms collect and store information outside Zimbabwe.

This raises serious questions about who owns the data, who can access it and which laws protect it.

Sensitive national information may include financial records, Government communication, business transactions, healthcare data and personal information belonging to citizens.

If this information is stored or managed externally, Zimbabwe may have limited control over how it is handled.

National security is another important concern.

Some AI systems are used in communication networks, surveillance systems, border control and government operations.

If critical systems are heavily dependent on foreign technology, there is always a risk that external influence could affect national security.

Some countries around the world have raised concerns that foreign technologies could potentially be used to collect intelligence, monitor populations or influence important systems.

Whether these fears are always justified or not, they highlight the importance of being cautious when adopting external technologies.

There are also cultural and identity concerns.

Most foreign AI systems are trained mainly using information and data from outside Africa.

This means they may not fully understand Zimbabwean culture, local languages, traditions and social realities.

AI systems often reflect the values, perspectives and assumptions of the environments in which they were developed.

As a result, local voices and African perspectives may become underrepresented in digital spaces.

For example, some AI systems may struggle to understand local expressions used in Shona or Ndebele.

Others may provide information that reflects foreign cultural norms more than local realities.

Over time, this can influence how people communicate, think and interact online.

Technology does not only shape economies; it also shapes culture and identity.

Economic dependence is another major issue.

When countries rely heavily on imported digital systems, large amounts of money leave the local economy through subscriptions, licensing fees, cloud services and technology contracts.

At the same time, local technology industries may struggle to grow because they cannot compete with large global companies.

Zimbabwe risks becoming mainly a consumer of technology rather than a producer of innovation.

Some experts describe this situation as digital colonialism.

This refers to a modern form of dependence where powerful international companies control digital infrastructure, data systems, online platforms and AI technologies used by developing countries.

Instead of controlling land and natural resources like traditional colonialism, digital colonialism focuses on controlling information, technology and digital influence.

In such a situation, countries may slowly lose control over parts of their digital future.

This does not mean Zimbabwe should completely reject foreign technology.

In today’s interconnected world, international partnerships are necessary.

Foreign systems can provide opportunities for growth, innovation and improved services.

However, Zimbabwe must avoid becoming overdependent on external technologies without developing local capacity.

The country should gradually invest in building its own technological capabilities.

This includes supporting local software developers, expanding AI research, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and developing local cloud services where possible.

Universities and technical institutions can play an important role by teaching AI, data science and cybersecurity skills that prepare young Zimbabweans for the future.

Government and private sector partnerships can also help encourage local innovation.

Startups and young developers should be supported through funding, mentorship and access to digital infrastructure.

Zimbabwe has many talented young people who can contribute to building local technological solutions if given proper opportunities.

Strong laws and policies

Strong laws and policies are also necessary.

Zimbabwe needs clear regulations that govern AI systems, data protection, cybersecurity and digital privacy. Organisations using foreign AI systems should be transparent about how data is collected, stored and shared. Citizens should understand how their personal information is being used and what rights they have regarding digital privacy.

Ordinary Zimbabweans also have a role to play.

People should become more aware of how digital platforms operate and where their information goes.

Supporting local innovation where possible can help strengthen the country’s digital independence.

Digital awareness is becoming part of national awareness because technology now affects almost every part of modern life.

The future of Zimbabwe’s digital development should not be based on fear or blind trust.

Instead, it should focus on smart decisions, responsible partnerships, strong cybersecurity and local innovation. Foreign AI technology can provide many benefits, but Zimbabwe must ensure that these partnerships protect national interests rather than weaken them.

AI is shaping the future of economies, communication, education and governance around the world.

Zimbabwe has an opportunity to use these technologies to improve services, strengthen businesses and modernise the country.

However, the nation must also protect its sovereignty, privacy and cultural identity in the digital age.

In the end, the question is not whether Zimbabwe should use foreign technology, but how it should use it responsibly and strategically.

In today’s world, protecting national identity is no longer only about borders and physical resources.

It is also about who controls the technology, the data and digital future of the nation.

*Godfrey Nyoni is a consultant at Pique Squid Consultancy. For feedback, contact: www.piquesquid.com/ 00263786526527