Young Innovators Urged to Embrace Emerging Technologies

AS Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve, young Zimbabweans have been urged to embrace it not as a threat but as a powerful tool to unlock innovation, boost creativity and drive economic transformation.

The call was made yesterday at the ZITF Innovators’ Forum, held at the Bulawayo Agricultural Society Pavilion under the theme “Catalysing Industrial Growth through Collaborative Innovation.”

Running alongside the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the forum brought together students, academics, and professionals from various fields to explore how innovation can help address Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges.

Among the keynote speakers was Professor Tawanda Mushiri, Executive Director of the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), who emphasised that while AI can automate many tasks, it cannot replicate human creativity or common sense.

“AI is a powerful productivity booster, but it still needs human input. It lacks the intuition and contextual understanding that people bring to the table. Young people should not fear AI; rather, they should master it, use it as a tool to enhance their ideas, and become solution-driven thinkers,” he said.

Professor Mushiri encouraged the youth to develop a growth mindset, read widely, and engage with knowledge-driven platforms to refine their skills.

“Don’t entertain self-doubt, it kills more dreams than failure ever will. Be intentional with your growth. Your success depends on your mindset, your network, and those you surround yourself with,” he added.

He noted that many Zimbabweans have yet to fully embrace AI but expressed optimism that its integration into business and education would be a game-changer, improving efficiency, enabling data-driven decision-making, and unlocking creative potential.

“A website can be designed by AI, but technical judgement and innovative thinking still require a human touch. Let’s build a generation that works hand-in-hand with technology, not one that is displaced by it,” he said.

The Innovators’ Forum also featured presentations from institutions including the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), ZB Bank, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), and the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe.

Highlights of the day included the launch of a pitch competition, the announcement of a hackathon challenge, and guided problem-solving workshops. Students from various universities showcased innovative solutions addressing challenges in healthcare, climate change, education, and ICT.

The programme continues today, with the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, expected to attend.

The ZITF Innovators’ Forum held annually, is platform that enables young people to demonstrate their ingenuity, build networks and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development through science and technology.