Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Bulawayo Bureau
EFFORTS have been stepped up to strengthen the country’s digital defences through a strategic cybersecurity partnership with the Russian Federation, alongside the development of a home-grown Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.
The collaboration with Russia, anchored in long-standing bilateral ties and formalised through the 2023 Bilateral Agreement on Information Security, is set to lay the foundation for a robust, sovereign cybersecurity framework for Zimbabwe.
At the heart of the initiative is the Cyberus Foundation, created by global cybersecurity leaders such as Yury Maksimov and SK Capital, working alongside partners like Positive Technologies, KOMIB, CyberED and Innostage.
In October 2024, a high-level delegation from Cyberus and KOMIB visited Zimbabwe during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This visit culminated in a proposal to build a National Cybersecurity Framework for Zimbabwe, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera announced last Wednesday at the launch of the Cybersecurity Training Programme in Harare.
“This partnership proposes three key domains for implementation: Building National Cybersecurity Capacity and Capability; Establishing a Cyber Resilience Verification Framework; and Creating a National Cybersecurity Monitoring Centre,” she said.
Stage One of the programme, now underway, will train over 10 000 young Zimbabweans in ethical hacking, real-world cyber attack simulations and cybersecurity fundamentals. The training will be delivered through CyberED’s world-class Learning Management System, with support from local partner RedZone Digital Zimbabwe.
Minister Mavetera said Cyberus has also pledged 160 additional scholarships — 10 for each SADC member state — positioning Zimbabwe as a regional hub for cybersecurity education.
“Graduates of this programme will not only gain vital certifications, but top performers will be guaranteed job offers on national infrastructure projects and will be added to Zimbabwe’s national cybersecurity talent pool,” she said.
Beyond training, the broader vision includes developing localised cybersecurity intellectual property (IP), fostering joint research with universities, setting up a Cybersecurity Industry Development Centre, and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
“If Zimbabwe captures just 0.1 percent of the global cybersecurity market, currently valued at US$200 billion annually, we could earn over US$200 million per year from cybersecurity services alone,” said Minister Mavetera.
“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Cyberus Group, CyberED, RedZone Digital Zimbabwe and our Russian partners for their vision and goodwill in launching this programme at no cost to the Zimbabwean people. As we take this step forward, let us reaffirm our shared goal: to build a digitally sovereign Zimbabwe that protects its infrastructure, empowers its youth, and drives innovation in the digital economy,” said Minister Mavetera.
Meanwhile, the Government has also begun developing a national AI strategy designed to reflect and uphold the country’s cultural values, a senior official has revealed.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural Consultative Workshop to develop the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy last Thursday, Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services permanent secretary, Dr Beulah Chirume, said the concept should be wholly Zimbabwean.
“The development of Zimbabwe’s AI Strategy must be nationally owned, meaning it should reflect our unique aspirations, challenges, cultural values and development goals. It should also be inclusive, drawing on the diverse expertise, perspectives and experiences,” she said.
“The strategy will be human-centred, placing the well-being, rights and empowerment of all Zimbabwean citizens at its core. It should be ethical and responsible in establishing clear principles of fairness, transparency, accountability and safety from the outset.”
Dr Chirume said the National AI Strategy is not only a blueprint for technological advancement, but a roadmap for a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all Zimbabweans.
“Let us envision together an AI-powered Zimbabwe where farmers predict weather patterns and optimise yields with precision. Where doctors access AI diagnostics to improve healthcare in remote areas and where small businesses leverage AI tools to compete globally,” she said.
“Where our natural resources are managed sustainably with intelligent monitoring and where citizens interact with efficient, transparent, and responsive AI-assisted government services. Where Zimbabwean innovators lead in developing AI solutions for African challenges.”
Dr Chirume revealed that while this vision is ambitious, it is attainable.
“Let us roll up our sleeves, engage meaningfully, and co-create a Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy that is bold, responsible, inclusive, and truly transformative,” said Dr Chirume.
