Zimbabwe is gearing up to enhance its Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape by creating new technological support platforms and oversight agencies as part of a comprehensive five-year initiative to embrace this transformative technology.
The newly unveiled National AI Strategy (2026-2030) includes plans to establish an AI implementation agency and a regulatory sandbox to facilitate safe AI practices.
To bolster the country’s AI development, Zimbabwe will gradually launch the National AI and Data Platform, which aims to provide extensive datasets, necessary infrastructure, and computational resources across the nation.
Operating under the National AI Strategy, the AI Strategy Implementation Office will be located within the Ministry of ICT and will be charged with steering AI-related projects in Zimbabwe.
Additionally, the country will establish the National Digital Regulatory Committee, which will serve as the regulatory authority and report directly to the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
During the launch of this five-year AI Strategy in Harare, President Emerson Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of establishing legal frameworks to safeguard national interests and uphold the dignity of Zimbabweans.
The AI strategy is designed to enhance the nation’s computing capabilities, develop sovereign data platforms, build data centres, and ensure secure, inclusive connectivity to foster AI adoption and improve services.
Edward Kallon, the UN resident coordinator for Zimbabwe, emphasised that the country must invest in digital skills to unlock its full AI potential, especially amid significant brain drain in the IT sector as professionals seek opportunities abroad.
Mnangagwa noted that part of implementing the AI Strategy involves attracting young, talented Zimbabweans living overseas back to the country to support AI development.
With suitable investments in digital skills, data infrastructure, and research ecosystems, Zimbabwe aims to develop solutions that empower agricultural practices, enhance healthcare delivery, optimise mining operations, and transform public service delivery.
Tofara Chokera, a 2023 TechWomen Fellow, stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing Zimbabwe’s AI Strategy and called for investments in digital skills, data infrastructure, and innovation across all sectors of the economy.
Data analyst Tamuka Marega noted that while Zimbabwe faces challenges in infrastructure, such as power and connectivity, it possesses a robust skills base that can drive its AI aspirations.
Currently, the country is experiencing power outages, prompting IT and telecom firms to adopt solar power and energy storage solutions as alternatives.
To mitigate these challenges, Zimbabwe is championing an open data initiative as a component of its AI strategy, aiming to make government data accessible for AI purposes while ensuring privacy and security measures are in place.
“Standardised data will enhance interoperability across different sectors, and effective data quality management will guarantee that AI systems have access to accurate and reliable information,” according to the AI Strategy.
“Dedicated support centres for AI systems will offer technical assistance and maintenance across various sectors, while diligent vendor management will guarantee high-quality products and services.”
Dr Dennis Magaya, chairman of the AI Institute Africa, noted that Zimbabwe’s AI Strategy is part of a larger national agenda focused on governance, research, and international collaboration, prioritising indigenous knowledge and local-language technology to build the nation’s AI capabilities.
“Relative to many countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe’s strategy is distinguished by its strong governance framework, and a focus on national coordination, which could help unify public institutions around shared AI priorities,” Dr Magaya.
