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Michelle Moyo, [email protected]

INDUSTRIALISTS and trade unionists have commended local companies for embracing automation in their operations in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution saying the approach is critical in enhancing efficiencies and minimising manual work-related injuries.

Artificial intelligence and robotics are increasingly being mainstreamed across global industrial sectors, thereby creating anxiety for some as technological advancement is seen as threatening jobs.

Local companies like the newly opened Baker’s Inn factory in Bulawayo have become shining examples of adoption of the latest technologies in production of bread.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, visited the company last week and was impressed by the state-of-the-art automated equipment at the giant plant.

 

“The quality of technology here speaks to the depth of industrialisation that is taking place in Zimbabwe. I’m seeing robot-controlled machinery, they acquired their equipment through South Africa from Europe,” he said.

“It is state-of-the-art equipment for this type of business. To see this bread being made in the way it is being done and volumes of bread that are being produced is exciting.”

Industrialist and Association for Business in Zimbabwe (Abuz) chief executive officer, Mr Victor Nyoni, said companies should embrace technology to improve efficiency and productivity.

“With automation our companies can perform better and gain the ability to compete in the international arena,” he said.

“Although automation adoption is feared for job losses in the immediate analysis, our thinking is that in the long run automation leads to downstream job creation, particularly in the distribution chain. 

“I must mention that automation brings about better product quality and indeed improved service provision or delivery,” said Mr Nyoni.

“As industry representatives we, therefore, ask all our members to adopt automation. Companies the world over that adopt automation have enjoyed competitive edge over their peers who do not. 

“Important to note is that industry must also train its staff for compatibility with technological changes. This avoids unnecessary labor disruption.” 

Like the rest of the world, Mr Nyoni said Zimbabwe has no choice but to get ready and embrace artificial intelligence production systems. 

“That is the only way Zimbabwe can compete at global level,” he said.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary general, Mr Japhet Moyo, said modern technology has both positive and negative effects. 

“The positives are that we improve quality and take industrialisation to another level while in the negatives in the short term there is joblessness.

“If we are to compete in production with the global north, the only way is to improve in technology. 

“Once you have an uninterrupted supply of power then automation works perfectly and you reduce human contact and corruption in production processes,” said Mr Moyo.