Zimbabwe Launches National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030

Zimbabwe Launches National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030

Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially launched Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, a policy framework aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to drive economic growth, innovation, and public sector transformation. The strategy was unveiled on Friday at the New Parliament Building. Speaking at the launch, Tatenda Mavetera said the strategy is a home-grown blueprint designed to position Zimbabwe as a competitive player in the global digital economy while supporting the country’s broader development agenda.

Mavetera said the policy was developed through a comprehensive process led by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, guided by the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment for Zimbabwe. She noted that the strategy also benefited from extensive nationwide consultations involving a broad range of stakeholders.

According to the minister, farmers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, technopreneurs, educators, and national leaders all contributed to shaping the framework. Mavetera said the consultations were important to ensure that the strategy reflects Zimbabwe’s unique social, economic, and technological priorities.

“This broad engagement ensures the strategy speaks directly to our national needs and opportunities,” she said.

The strategy aligns with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which emphasises innovation, research, industrialisation, and community service. Mavetera said the framework prioritises artificial intelligence literacy and skills development across the education system, beginning at the primary school level and extending through universities. The approach aims to equip young Zimbabweans with the digital skills needed to participate in the evolving global technology landscape.

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is built around six key pillars designed to guide implementation over the next five years. These include AI talent development, infrastructure and computational sovereignty, public sector transformation, governance and ethics, research and innovation, and international collaboration and diplomacy. The minister said these pillars will form the foundation for Zimbabwe’s AI ecosystem, enabling both government institutions and the private sector to integrate emerging technologies into their operations.

To ensure effective implementation, the government has established several governance structures. These include the National Digital Regulatory Committee, the AI Strategy Implementation Office, and a series of technical working groups tasked with overseeing specific areas of the policy. Mavetera also announced a number of flagship initiatives expected to be rolled out during the first 18 months of the strategy.

“I am excited to announce five key initiatives to launch our national AI mission within the first 18 months,” she said.

The initiatives include the AI Grand Challenge, the National AI and Data Platform, the AI for Every Zimbabwe campaign, a National AI Regulatory Sandbox, and the National AI Innovation Fund.

Mavetera said implementing the strategy will require significant investment and strong partnerships. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between universities, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and the Zimbabwean diaspora in building a robust national AI ecosystem. Authorities hope the strategy will help position Zimbabwe to benefit from global technological advances while supporting inclusive economic development and digital transformation.

Mnangagwa artificial intelligence strategy