Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Zimbabwe Targets AI-Driven Growth Under New National Strategy in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
- Zimbabwe launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030to support socio-economic development.
- The strategy focuses on talent development, infrastructure sovereignty, AI adoption and ethical governance.
- Zimbabwe ranks 149th out of 193 countries in the UN 2024 E-Government Development Index, highlighting major digital gaps.
The Zimbabwean government launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030on Friday, March 13. The roadmap outlines how Zimbabwe intends to deploy AI to support socio-economic development over the next five years.
President Emmerson Mnangagwaemphasized the government’s commitment to responsible technology use.
“We commit to ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence remains human-centred, transparent and free from bias. The protection of our national interests as well as the dignity of all Zimbabweans remain at the heart of the legal frameworks we are putting in place,” Mnangagwa said in his speech.
The strategy rests on four pillars: talent and capacity development, infrastructure sovereignty, AI adoption and ethical governance.
Authorities plan to integrate AI into strategic sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare and education. The government expects these applications to improve productivity, efficiency and service quality.
In addition, the roadmap introduces incentives for companies and innovators that adopt AI technologies. Policymakers aim to stimulate a dynamic digital economy and encourage local technological development.
The strategy also emphasizes the design of ethical and human-centred AI systems that respect fundamental rights while supporting inclusive growth.
The AI roadmap forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader digital transformation ambitions.
Through the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, the government plans to integrate information and communication technologies across society and throughout the economy in order to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development.
The plan cites a study by the International Telecommunication Unionshowing that a 10% increase in a country’s digitalization score raises GDP per capita by about 0.75%.
However, Zimbabwe still faces significant digital development challenges. The country ranked 149th out of 193 countriesin the 2024 E-Government Development Indexpublished by the United Nations, with a score of 0.4481 out of 1, below the global average of 0.6382.
Challenges to address
Like any emerging technology, artificial intelligence carries risks.
President Mnangagwa urged policymakers to strengthen legislation and regulatory frameworks to protect children and citizens in digital spaces as AI technologies expand.
The UNESCO, which helped design the strategy, also assessed Zimbabwe’s readiness for artificial intelligence. In a report published in July 2025, the organization said the strategy should include measures to address the main risks associated with AI.
These risks include foreign technological dominance, loss of human autonomy, and constraints related to financing, technical infrastructure and research capacity. The report noted that the emigration of highly qualified professionals further compounds these challenges.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairsalso highlighted AI’s potential to support socio-economic development in its E-Government Survey 2024report. However, the department warned about risks such as biased datasets that may misrepresent certain groups, along with broader ethical, security and social concerns.
The agency also identified the persistent digital divide as a major obstacle to AI deployment in the public sector, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In Zimbabwe, 58.4% of the population did not use the Internet in 2024, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union. Limited telecom network coverage, the high cost or scarcity of compatible devices such as computers and smartphones, and low levels of digital skills help explain the gap.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum