Online Reporter
Dr Evans Sagomba
ZIMBABWE has taken a bold step forward by laying down six strategic pillars to guide our journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence.
These pillars, found on Pages 19 to 27 of the National AI Strategy, are the foundations of how we will use technology to transform our society. But strategies can sometimes sound too technical, so let us break them down into everyday language. We will focus on the first three pillars, unpacking them in a way that makes sense to the ordinary person in the street, whether you are a vendor in Gaza, a farmer in Watsomba, or a student in Murambinda.
Pillar One: Building the Right Infrastructure
Think of infrastructure as the roads and bridges of the digital world. Just as we cannot drive cars without roads, we cannot use AI without the right digital foundations. This pillar is about making sure Zimbabwe has the tools, systems, and networks that allow AI to work smoothly. At its core, this means reliable internet, strong data centres, and affordable access to digital devices. Imagine a farmer who wants to use an AI app to predict rainfall. If the internet connection is weak or the phone is too expensive, that farmer is locked out. Infrastructure is about removing those barriers. It is also about making sure our electricity supply is stable, because technology cannot run without power.
This pillar also speaks to the importance of local data storage. Zimbabwe must have its own servers and systems to store information safely. If our data is kept in foreign countries, we lose control over it. Data is like gold; it must be mined, stored, and protected here at home. So, Pillar One is really about laying the foundation. Without strong infrastructure, AI will remain a dream. With it, AI can become part of everyday life, helping clinics diagnose patients, schools deliver lessons, and businesses grow.
Pillar Two: Skills and Capacity Building
Infrastructure alone is not enough. We also need people who know how to use AI. Pillar Two is about building skills and training Zimbabweans to become creators, users, and guardians of AI. This is where education comes in. From primary schools to universities, AI must be introduced in ways that make sense to learners. Imagine a Grade 7 learner in Sakubva learning how to use AI to solve Maths problems, or a university student in Mutare designing an AI tool that helps farmers detect crop diseases. Skills building means giving people the knowledge to use AI confidently.
But it is not just about young people. Workers in all sectors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and even small business owners, need training. AI should not be seen as something only for “techies.” It must be part of everyday work. For example, a nurse in a rural clinic should be able to use AI to check symptoms and suggest possible treatments. A shop owner should be able to use AI to track sales and manage stock.
Capacity building also means encouraging innovation. Zimbabweans must not only consume AI tools made elsewhere; we must create our own. This requires investment in research, support for start-ups, and opportunities for young innovators. It also means tapping into the skills of our diaspora, many of whom are already working in AI-related fields abroad. In short, Pillar Two is about people. It says: let us train Zimbabweans to be ready for the AI era, so that we are not left behind.
Pillar Three: Governance, Policy, and Regulation
Now, even with infrastructure and skills, AI can be dangerous if not properly managed. Pillar Three is about governance, the rules and policies that ensure AI is used responsibly. Think of it like traffic laws. Roads and cars are useful, but without rules, there would be chaos. AI is the same. We need clear laws to protect people’s rights, ensure fairness, and prevent misuse. For example, if an AI system is used to decide who gets a loan, it must not discriminate against women or rural communities. Governance ensures that AI is fair and transparent.
This pillar also covers data protection. Zimbabweans must feel safe knowing their personal information will not be abused. If you go to a clinic and your health records are stored digitally, you should trust that they will not be leaked or sold. Governance is about building that trust. Policy and regulation also mean setting standards. Zimbabwe must decide what kind of AI is acceptable and what is not. For instance, AI should not be used to spread fake news or invade privacy. At the same time, policies should encourage innovation by making it easier for businesses and universities to experiment with AI.
Importantly, governance must be inclusive. Ordinary citizens should have a say in how AI is used. This is not just about government officials or big companies. It is about creating a system where everyone’s voice matters. So, Pillar Three is about rules and fairness. It ensures that AI is not a wild horse running unchecked, but a well-guided tool that serves the people.
Connecting the Three Pillars
When we look at these first three pillars together, we see a clear story. Infrastructure lays the foundation, skills empower the people, and governance provides the rules. Without infrastructure, AI cannot function. Without skills, people cannot use it. Without governance, AI can become dangerous. These pillars are like the legs of a stool; all three must be strong for the stool to stand. If one is weak, the whole system collapses. Zimbabwe’s strategy recognises this balance and insists that we build all three together.
Why This Matters to Ordinary Zimbabweans
Let us bring this closer to everyday life. Imagine a rural farmer. Pillar One ensures he or she has internet access and affordable devices. Pillar Two trains him or her to use AI apps that predict rainfall or detect crop diseases. Pillar Three protects his/her data and ensures the AI system is fair and trustworthy. Together, these pillars make AI a real tool for his/her livelihood. Or think of a student in Bulawayo. Pillar One gives her access to digital learning platforms. Pillar Two equips her with skills to use AI for research. Pillar Three ensures her personal information is safe. Again, the pillars work together to improve her education. This is why the strategy matters. It is not about fancy machines or complicated jargon. It is about making sure AI serves ordinary people in practical, everyday ways.
Zimbabwe’s National AI Strategy is not just a document. It is a roadmap for transformation. The first three pillars, infrastructure, skills, and governance, are the bedrock of this journey. They ensure that AI is not just a buzzword, but a real force for development.
As we move forward, every Zimbabwean has a role to play. The Government must build infrastructure. Schools and universities must train people. Citizens must demand fairness and transparency. Together, we can make AI a tool that uplifts our nation. The journey will not be easy. There will be challenges, from funding shortages to digital divides. But with these pillars in place, Zimbabwe has a strong foundation. We are not just joining the AI revolution; we are shaping it in our own way, with our own values, for our own people.
About the Author: 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), X: @esagomba
