EUROPEAN Union (EU) ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann has urged Zimbabwean institutions to equip students with skills that machines cannot replicate in the wake of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
Von Kirchmann was speaking during the Scholastica indaba held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo last week.
He said the world was undergoing a technological revolution that required young people to be equipped with skills that go beyond traditional learning methods.
“Today, we stand at a turning point in human history. Automation and artificial intelligence are no longer distant ideas from science fiction. They are here, transforming how we learn, live, work and connect,” Von Kirchmann said.
He said AI was making a significant impact in key sectors such as agriculture and healthcare in Zimbabwe.
The ambassador warned that as machines become more capable of performing human tasks, there was a pressing need to reinforce what makes people uniquely human. He said the solution lied in reforming education systems to prioritise creativity, ethics and critical thinking over rote learning.
“Not just any education, but education that unlocks your full potential. One that teaches you not only facts, but how to think, to feel, to question, to lead,” Von Kirchmann said.
He called on Zimbabwean institutions to equip students with skills that machines cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability and teamwork.
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The EU, through its Erasmus+ Global Gateway programme, is offering Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Zimbabwean students to pursue fully-funded master’s degrees in Europe.
The EU has also partnered Young Africa to launch a digital vocational training platform that provides free skills training in areas such as plumbing, solar installation, and catering.
Von Kirchmann stressed the importance of AI literacy in the digital age.
“Every student in Zimbabwe should know how AI can empower, but also how it can mislead,” he said.
“For instance, how AI can reflect or reinforce racial or gender bias if not properly designed.”
