Zim launches AI, innovation week

Phillipa Mukome-Chinhoi

Zimbabwe is ready to step into the era of Artificial Intelligence, frontier technologies, and innovation-led development, according to a Cabinet minister.

Speaking at the launch of the UNDP AI and Innovation Week 2025 in Harare yesterday, ICT and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, the guest of honour, stated that Zimbabwe is prepared to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), frontier technologies, and innovation-led development.

She noted that AI will play a critical role in achieving national development strategies (NDS1 and NDS2), improving public service delivery, and boosting productivity across sectors such as mining, agriculture, health, and manufacturing.

“AI is not a distant concept; it is shaping the future of work, trade, and governance,” she commented.

Minister Mavetera outlined five pillars of Zimbabwe’s forthcoming National AI Strategy (2026–2030), which are: AI for Governance and Public Service Delivery, Skills and Workforce Readiness, AI for Industry and Competitiveness, Ethical and Inclusive AI, and Ecosystem Strengthening and Research.

The strategy seeks to build digital public infrastructure, including national identity systems, secure data platforms, and e-government services, prioritizing cybersecurity and connectivity.

The AI and Innovation Week features exhibitions, hackathons, and an awards ceremony where the Government, UNDP, and CBZ will distribute US$40 000 in prizes to top innovators.

Winners of the Mine Tech and Lithium Hackathon will share US$20 000, with the first prize set at US$10 000.

Minister Mavetera urged government ministries, private sector players, universities, and youth to collaborate in integrating AI solutions and fostering innovation.

“Digital transformation is a collective responsibility,” she stated, adding that the initiative reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to building a competitive, inclusive digital economy.

The Minister underscored the role of young people in driving innovation, describing them as “Zimbabwe’s greatest national asset.”