Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has opened its digital economy to local and foreign investors by unveiling an ambitious artificial intelligence-led transformation agenda anchored on infrastructure expansion, skills development and regulatory reforms.
Addressing the 3rd Business Times Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference and Exhibition at the Harare International Conference Centre yesterday, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the country was entering a decisive phase in its digital transformation following the launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030).
The conference ran under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: Telecoms, AI and Zimbabwe’s Digital Future.”
Minister Mavetera said the strategy recently launched by President Mnangagwa would position Zimbabwe to compete in the global digital economy through intelligent connectivity and innovation.
“Today, we build on the recent launch by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), a key step in our digital transformation,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said successful implementation would depend on reliable infrastructure, robust data governance, a skilled workforce, adaptive regulation and effective institutions.
The Minister said the strategy is built on six pillars — AI talent and capacity development, infrastructure, public service adoption, governance and ethics, research and innovation and international collaboration.
She said the government was prioritising investment in fibre backbone infrastructure, data centres, cloud services, 4G expansion, 5G readiness and rural connectivity solutions.
“Zimbabwe is open for business in the digital economy,” Minister Mavetera said.
“We invite investment and partnerships in national and metropolitan fibre backbone infrastructure, data centres and cloud infrastructure, next-generation mobile networks, including 4G expansion and 5G readiness, rural connectivity and universal access solutions and artificial intelligence platforms and digital innovation ecosystems.”
This comes at a time when the government is accelerating efforts to digitise the economy and improve service delivery through emerging technologies.
Minister Mavetera said artificial intelligence would be central to addressing challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education and public services.
“The government aims to create a vibrant AI innovation ecosystem in Zimbabwe, targeting local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said digital inclusion remained at the core of the strategy, with efforts underway to ensure broad participation in the digital economy.
“Our digital transformation agenda focuses on ensuring that no segment of society is left behind,” she said.
Among the key initiatives being rolled out are the Digital Skills Ambassadors Programme, the 1.5 Million Coders Initiative and the Cyberus Cybersecurity Training Programme, all aimed at producing a digitally skilled workforce.
The Minister also said the Zimbabwe Child Online Protection Policy was awaiting approval, with proposed legislation set to restrict social media access for certain age groups as part of measures to protect minors from cyberbullying and exploitation.
She said the government was committed to strengthening regulatory clarity, efficient spectrum management, infrastructure sharing and public-private partnerships to stimulate growth in the sector.
Minister Mavetera said the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe will continue playing a central role in steering the industry towards competitiveness and inclusive growth.
She challenged industry players and young innovators to seize the opportunities presented by the digital transformation agenda.
“To industry leaders: Innovate boldly, invest strategically, and evolve beyond traditional models,” Minister Mavetera said
The conference is expected to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors and industry leaders on the future of Zimbabwe’s telecommunications and digital services sector.
Peter Tanyanyiwa