Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Government is accelerating the development of artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and technology skills as part of efforts to transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge-based economy and attain Vision 2030 targets, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has said.
Speaking at the third edition of the Evolve ICT Summit in Harare on Thursday, Minister Mavetera said the country was positioning itself to harness opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution through strategic investments in innovation, inclusion and human capital development.
She said digital transformation was no longer an option but a necessity as emerging technologies continue to reshape economies and societies across the globe.
“We are at a pivotal moment as the Fourth Industrial Revolution is here. Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, data is a key strategic resource, and digital platforms are changing trade, governance and social structures,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the Government’s digital agenda was anchored on Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which identifies digital infrastructure, innovation and skills development as critical enablers of economic growth.
She said significant progress has already been made through the expansion of broadband connectivity, modernisation of the regulatory environment and strengthening of national data centres.
“We have made significant strides, with expanding broadband access, a modernised regulatory environment, and strengthened national data centres,” she said.
“We are also developing human capital, such as coders and data scientists, to create a digital Zimbabwe.”
However, the minister acknowledged that challenges remained, particularly in ensuring equitable access to digital technologies.
“Many Zimbabweans still lack access to the digital economy due to poor connectivity, unreliable electricity and high costs. Inclusion is essential and should be central to our digital strategy,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said Zimbabwe was making significant progress in crafting a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at ensuring the country becomes a creator, rather than merely a consumer, of AI technologies.
“We believe AI should be shaped by us, incorporating African realities and priorities rather than being merely consumed from elsewhere,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said the strategy will support transformation across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education and public administration, while ensuring that ethical concerns such as bias and job displacement are adequately addressed.
The minister also highlighted the Government’s efforts to strengthen digital literacy and skills development through programmes such as the 1,5 Million Coders Programme, the Digital Skills Ambassadors Programme and Cyberus.
“The most advanced infrastructure is useless without the human ability to utilise and enhance it. This is why our investments in digital skills are central to our technology agenda,” she said.
Minister Mavetera challenged young people to take advantage of opportunities presented by emerging technologies and become innovators rather than spectators.
“To the young people here and online: the world you inherit is different from your parents’. AI is transforming every industry, and you must decide whether to be the ones who create and control it or to follow others’ lead,” she said.
She also said the Government was pursuing the establishment of a technology park designed to attract investors, researchers and entrepreneurs while fostering innovation and industrial growth.
Minister Mavetera said it was important to increase the participation of women and girls in information and communication technologies and science-related fields.
“A digital economy that excludes women operates at only half capacity, hindering innovation,” she said.
The minister called on Government institutions, the private sector, academia and innovators to forge stronger partnerships to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“Conversations at events like the Evolve ICT Summit must lead to lasting investments and partnerships,” she said.
The summit, running under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Digital Leap: Innovation, Inclusion and Transformation,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and development partners to discuss the future of digital transformation on the continent.
