Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is ready to accelerate support that opens pathways for young innovators to play a key role in the development of the country in line with the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy.
Zimbabwe officially launched its National AI Strategy (2026-2030) in March this year framed under the theme: “Harnessing AI for inclusive development”.
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister, Dingumuzi Phuti, made the commitment at three-day World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe 2026 National Finals, which ended in Bulawayo on Friday and drew over 500 participants from the country’s 10 provinces.
“The National AI Strategy calls upon us to build the skills, governance, infrastructure and innovation capacity required to use artificial intelligence responsibly and productively,” said Phuti.
“The heritage-based curriculum asks education to draw from our culture, environment and lived realities. Education 5.0 requires our learning institutions to move beyond teaching, research and community service to embrace innovation and industrialisation.”
The Deputy Minister said through the WRO Zimbabwe, policies have been translated into practice with his ministry in full support as seen with a number of initiatives being implemented.
“Young people are identifying problems, building prototypes, testing ideas, working in teams and presenting solutions. The ministry continues to support national initiatives that open pathways for young innovators,” he said.
“The AI 4 Impact Grand Challenge encourages Zimbabweans to apply artificial intelligence to real problems and to build solutions with measurable social and economic value. The Presidential Innovation Fair gives innovators a national stage on which promising ideas can be recognised, strengthened and connected to further opportunities.
“WRO Zimbabwe complements these efforts by building the pipeline early – from school learners taking their first steps in robotics to advanced students developing solutions with the potential to grow into research, enterprises and technologies made in Zimbabwe.”
The provincial championships reached more than 5 000 participants, supported by close to 450 educators.
Deputy Minister Phuti commended the postal and courier services portfolio for supporting digital transformation.
“Postal and courier networks are not separate from the innovation economy; they help connect people, provide equipment, learning opportunities and markets across distance. Every kit delivered to a school or team extended the reach of this programme and help make participation more equitable,” he said.
“Competitions can inspire a learner for a day, but trained educators sustain learning throughout the year. By strengthening educator capability in robotics and cybersecurity, this programme is investing in continuity, safety and quality.”
Deputy Minister Phuti said the 2026 national finals also mark an important expansion of opportunity.
“Robostarter welcomes novice learners who are new to robotics and gives them an accessible entry point into the field. Future engineers provides a more advanced challenge and broadens participation to colleges, polytechnics and universities,” he said.
“Together with future innovators, these categories create a progression pathway: a learner can begin with confidence, build technical depth and advance towards complex engineering and innovation challenges. That pathway is vital if Zimbabwe is to develop a broad and sustainable base of digital and engineering talent.”
Deputy Minister Phuti also hailed all stakeholders for their efforts in making such initiatives a success.
—@mthabisi_mthire
