Zimbabwe is set to launch a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, which will help in creating a safe environment for the use and promotion of AI, Information Communication Technology minister Tendai Mavetera has said.
Mavetera said this when she officially opened the Artificial Intelligence Summit for Africa 2025 on Monday being hosted by Alpha Media Holdings publication Zimbabwe Independent in partnership with the Artificial Intelligence Institute Africa (AIIA) in Victoria Falls.
The summit, which is running under the theme: AI powered transformation unlocking new frontiers for sustainable social economic growth and has brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the transformative potential of AI in driving sustainable social-economic growth.
“The second draft of Zimbabwe's national AI strategy has been concluded," Mavetera said.
"While it could not be launched at the summit due to ongoing consultations with stakeholders, it is anticipated to be launched by October 1st 2025 at the new Parliament building, with the President officiating.
“The strategy aims to build an Africa where AI serves humanity, ensuring every village is connected, every child educated, and every youth has opportunities."
Mavetera added that the policy will also ensure secure data storage and sovereignty.
“Just like the Cyber and Data Protection Act, the forthcoming strategy is crucial for protecting national data and enhancing data sovereignty," she said.
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"While acknowledging that storing data elsewhere has been a past practice, the goal is now localised solutions, with institutions like TelOne having their own data centers."
Speaking at the same event Artificial Intelligence Summit for Africa chairperson Dennis Magaya said the AI landscape was changing rapidly, with massive investments being made as he cautioned people not to worry about their jobs being replaced by AI.
“Investments in AI surpassed $200 billion in 2024. They have been able to create," Magaya said.
“Business has changed and AI is transforming business models and operating models in ways that have never been seen before.
“This is not the end of humanity. AI does not evolve against humanity, but in fact amplifies humanity.
"The more machines can do, the more we see what only humans can do.
"AI brings a different evolution to human beings."
Zimbabwe and other African countries have been lagging behind on the implementation of a sound AI environment and currently it does not have a dedicated expert body on AI.
With The coming in of the National AI policy, Zimbabwe is poised to be a leader in AI development and deployment as it aims to drive economic growth, enhance social welfare and ensure citizens benefit from digital advancements.
