Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Zimbabwean higher and tertiary education institutions are making significant strides in adopting artificial intelligence (AI), the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava has said.
In an interview with ZTN this afternoon, Dr Shava highlighted the growing role of AI in shaping Zimbabwe’s education and innovation landscape.
“AI is the future and it is tomorrow,” he said.
“It is the vehicle in the 21st century to move information from place to place. For it to work effectively, it must be accommodated in institutional frameworks — and we are doing just that.”
The minister cited several examples of innovations emerging from local learning institutions.
Bindura University, for instance, has developed an AI-powered application that has enhanced efficiency at toll gates, while the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) has created a policing app aimed at aiding crime reduction.
“Now, our focus is on finding ways to commercialise some of these innovative products and services,” he said.
Dr Shava said the Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing (ZCHPC) and the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) are playing a pivotal role in supporting AI research and development.
ZINGSA provides the necessary infrastructure for computing-based innovations.
Despite this progress, Minister Shava said challenges remain, particularly around securing sustainable funding for AI projects.
“Some private sector players have indicated a willingness to come on board, which is encouraging as we work towards building a knowledge-driven economy.”
