Artificial Intelligence Strategy Implementation Initiated in Zimbabwe: A Question of Impact
Zimbabwe's National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy is underway, with a focus on creating locally relevant solutions that address pressing national issues. The strategy, which is being developed through a collaborative process, brings together government ministries, academia, civil society, and the private sector [1][5].
The AI strategy aims to help Zimbabwe leapfrog development stages and reach Vision 2030 goals faster by focusing on AI applications that address national priorities, such as precision agriculture for farmers, AI-enabled diagnostics for remote clinics, smart infrastructure, and youth skill development [1].
Dr Beulah Chirume, a key figure in the strategy's development, emphasized the importance of grounding the AI ambitions in Zimbabwe’s specific context and needs [1][5]. She also highlighted the need for ethical and practical approaches, as outlined by national digital transformation agendas and AI governance principles [1][2].
However, Dr Chirume expressed some concerns about the success of the AI strategy, citing past failures such as the Gwanda Solar Project as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead [2]. She acknowledged that they have a lot of work to do to achieve the goal of developing and exporting AI solutions [2].
Zimbabwe's high mobile penetration rate and improved internet access provide a strong foundation for building a thriving AI ecosystem [6]. However, Dr Chirume noted that while there has been a massive improvement in internet access, it is not as great as the paper stats indicate [3].
The AI strategy process is ongoing, and it is crucial for everyone to participate, including Dr Chirume herself, who acknowledges not participating in such events in the past [4]. The workshop hosted by the Ministry of ICT in Kadoma was a significant step towards this collaborative effort [4].
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s National AI Strategy is being developed with strong stakeholder collaboration to ensure it prioritizes practical, ethical AI use cases that align with national development goals, fostering sustainable adoption and real-world benefits across key sectors [1][5]. The strategy is grounded in the local context, focused on real-world impact, and aims to be a catalyst for sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
- The development of Zimbabwe's National AI Strategy involves the deployment of AI-enabled diagnostics in remote clinics, which is an application that addresses national priorities, leveraging advancements in technology and AI.
- As part of Zimbabwe's digital transformation, the strategy emphasizes ethical and practical approaches, harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence while addressing concerns about internet access and ensuring its grounding in the specific local context and needs.
