Zimbabwe developing AI policy

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ZIMBABWE is currently developing an Artificial Intelligence policy framework, aiming to keep pace with the rest of the world in harnessing the immense benefits of this new technology.
This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Beaullah Chirume, while officially opening the Zimbabwe Draft Framework workshop in Mutare last week.
The policy aims to provide a legal framework that safeguards ethics and responsible use of AI technology.
Dr Chirume said while AI offers numerous benefits, there is greater need to manage its negative effects, prompting Cabinet to direct her ministry to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy, providing a legal framework that safeguards ethical and responsible use of this technology.
“This workshop represents an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, while ensuring that the application aligns with our shared values of ethics, inclusivity and sustainability. What worries me most is that the models that we are adopting may not fit in our local context.
“The academia, this is your time, what is that you are churning out of your universities. We hasten to say that Cabinet has directed that we develop the national AI strategy, and I am sure most of the critical inputs into that strategy will come out of the workshop we are holding, thanks to UNESCO.
“Zimbabwe is proud to stand among the 193 member states of UNESCO that in November 2021 adopted the recommendation on the ethics of AI. This landmark decision position Zimbabwe as part of a global movement committed to promoting the ethical development and use of AI. It is a recognition that while AI holds immense potential to transform economy and societies, it also brings with it ethical challenges that requires legal and well thought out policies to mitigate its effects.
“To address the risks associated with AI, the recommendation calls on partners to develop assessment tools to accompanying countries in reviewing and documenting their respective policies, legal and regulatory frameworks and land scape to ensure that the development and application of AI systems in both the public and private sectors are ethically compliant more so in terms of rights and personal privacy.
“This tool is roundly structured around five thematic areas – economic, legal, policy and regulatory, social and cultural, scientific and educational, technical and infrastructure. It is designed to evaluate, capacitate, develop policy recommendations and reflect on national priorities in line with the subsequent recommendations. The final product the country will opt will serve as a useful resource for governance in addressing AI ethical challenges,” said Dr Chirume.
In 2024, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa initiated a pilot project to support six countries in Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, to undertake a readiness assessment on AI adaptability and application.
The pilot is designed to result in the production of country reports that include policy recommendations and path forward reflecting the priorities of countries.
The workshop drew participants from the UNESCO, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technological Development, civil society and the academia, among others.