Online Reporter
Dr Evans Sagomba
Everything AI
FOR the next four weeks, we will be unpacking the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence strategy section by section. This week, let us look at the vision and guiding principles Page 17 and 18.
Let us begin by celebrating this milestone. Zimbabwe has officially joined the ranks of 17 African nations with a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
That is a proud achievement, and we must commend the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (MICTPCS), led by the Honourable Minister Tatenda A Mavetera, Honourable Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, Permanent Secretary, Dr Beaullah Chirume, and Chief Director, Mr Prince Sibanda, the ministry staff, and indeed the people of Zimbabwe. This is not just a document; it is a declaration that our nation is ready to embrace the future and shape it in our own image.
The vision outlined in the strategy is both ambitious and deeply rooted in our national aspirations.
Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a hub of inclusive and sustainable AI for development in Southern Africa.
In plain terms, this means we want AI to be a tool that uplifts every citizen, not just a select few.
It is about ensuring that technology speaks our languages, understands our realities, and addresses our challenges. The vision insists that AI must be people-centred, respectful of human dignity, and aligned with our broader national goals, such as Vision 2030.
It is not about machines replacing people, but about machines helping people live better lives, whether that is through smarter farming, improved healthcare, or more accessible education.
The guiding principles on pages 17 and 18 serve as the moral compass for this journey. They are not abstract ideals; they are practical values that will shape how AI is introduced and used in Zimbabwe.
The first principle is human-centric and ethical AI. This reminds us that technology must serve people, not exploit them. It must respect privacy, fairness, and dignity.
For example, if AI is used in hospitals, patient information must be protected. If it is used in schools, it must support teachers rather than replace them. Ethics here means responsibility and compassion.
The second principle is local first and development-centric. This is crucial. Too often, African countries import solutions that do not fit their realities. Zimbabwe is saying: let us build AI that solves Zimbabwean problems first. AI should help us grow food, manage water, improve mining safety, and strengthen our economy. It must be tied to our national development strategies, not just to profit or global trends.
Innovation and co-creation form the third principle. AI should not be built in isolation. Government, universities, private companies, civil society, and ordinary citizens must all contribute. Innovation means trying new ideas, but co-creation means doing it together. A farmer’s knowledge of soil and weather, for instance, should inform the AI tools designed for agriculture. This principle insists that we innovate collectively.
Collaboration and cooperation follow naturally. Zimbabwe cannot walk this journey alone. We must work with neighbours in SADC, partners across Africa, and the global community. Cooperation also means different ministries, schools, and businesses must not work in silos. AI thrives when people share knowledge and resources.
Availability and accessibility are equally important. AI must not be locked behind expensive systems. It must be available to all, including rural schools and small clinics. If only a few people can access AI, then it fails the inclusivity test. Accessibility means affordability, language support, and offline options for areas with poor connectivity.
Transparency and data sovereignty are about trust and control. People need to understand how AI systems make decisions. If an AI tool denies someone a loan, it should provide a clear explanation for the decision. Data sovereignty means Zimbabwe must control its own data. Our information should not be stored in foreign servers where we lose control. Data is the new gold, and we must guard it carefully.
Safety and data security are non-negotiable. AI must be safe and secure. It should not expose us to cyberattacks or misuse. Protecting citizens’ information from hackers or foreign exploitation is critical. Imagine if our health records or mineral data were stolen; that would be a national disaster. Safety is therefore a cornerstone of the strategy.
Lastly, inclusivity and non-discrimination ensure that AI benefits everyone. It must not discriminate against women, youth, rural communities, or persons with disabilities. AI tools should be accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments. Inclusivity means no one is left behind.
These principles matter because they connect directly to everyday life. A farmer in Chisuko using an AI app to predict rainfall patterns needs it to be inclusive, ethical, and development-centric. A student in Mahenye using AI-powered learning tools needs them to be accessible, safe, and innovative. These principles are promises that AI will be used to improve lives, not complicate them.
By adopting this strategy, Zimbabwe is not just joining a continental movement. We are declaring that our approach will be unique. While others may focus on industry or global competitiveness,
Zimbabwe is anchoring its AI journey in hunhu/ubuntu, the belief that: “I am because we are.”
This means our AI will be people-centred, community-driven, and culturally respectful. It is about shared prosperity and dignity.
Of course, challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, funding shortages, brain drain, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas are real obstacles. But the guiding principles are designed to address these. Availability and accessibility tackle the rural-urban gap. Collaboration and cooperation can help us tap into diaspora expertise.
Transparency and sovereignty protect us from digital colonialism.
The vision and guiding principles of Zimbabwe’s National AI Strategy are not just lofty statements. They are practical commitments to ensure that AI serves the people. They call on every Zimbabwean to participate — to learn, innovate, question, and contribute.
This is not about machines; it is about people. It is about building a Zimbabwe where technology uplifts dignity, strengthens sovereignty, and creates prosperity for all. The vision is clear, the principles are strong, and now the real work begins — turning words into action, and action into transformation. If we stay true to these guiding principles, Zimbabwe will not just join the AI revolution. We will lead 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), X: @esagomba
