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Jacqueline Ntaka
Feature

TO position Zimbabwe at the forefront of technological innovation and economic development, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) national strategy spearheaded by the Government.

Drawing inspiration from countries like China, which has made significant strides in AI through initiatives such as DeepSeek, Zimbabwe can establish itself as a leader in artificial intelligence within Africa.

This strategy should harness AI to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. By doing so, Zimbabwe can remain competitive in the global digital economy and leverage the transformative potential of AI for sustainable development.

AI has the potential to significantly boost productivity and innovation across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and finance. It can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation.

Embracing AI will ensure Zimbabwe remains competitive in the global market, attracting investment and fostering technological advancements. Additionally, AI can create new job opportunities in tech-driven industries while transforming existing jobs to be more efficient and productive.

Investment in AI research and development is crucial. Establishing AI research centres and innovation hubs, providing funding and incentives for AI research projects, and fostering partnerships between universities, research institutions, and the private sector will lay a strong foundation. Building a skilled AI workforce is equally important. This involves integrating AI and data science into the national education curriculum, offering scholarships and training programmes for students and professionals in AI-related fields, and promoting continuous learning and upskilling opportunities.

Supporting AI-driven innovation and entrepreneurship is another key pillar. Creating an enabling environment for AI startups through funding, mentorship, and incubation programmes, encouraging collaboration between startups, established companies, and government agencies, and facilitating access to global AI markets and networks will drive growth.

Implementing AI in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, and education is essential. For instance, AI can be used for precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control in agriculture; diagnostics, personalised medicine, and healthcare management in healthcare; fraud detection, credit scoring, and financial inclusion in finance; and personalising learning experiences and improving educational outcomes in education.

Establishing robust AI governance and ethics is vital. Developing a regulatory framework that promotes responsible AI use while safeguarding privacy and security, establishing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment, and creating an AI oversight body to monitor compliance and address ethical concerns will ensure responsible AI integration.

The implementation plan for this strategy includes three phases. Phase 1 (Years 1-2) focuses on developing and launching the national AI policy and strategy, establishing AI research centres and innovation hubs, and integrating AI into the education curriculum and launching training programmes. Phase 2 (Years 3-5) involves scaling up AI research and development initiatives, fostering AI-driven innovation and entrepreneurship, and implementing AI solutions in key sectors. Phase 3 (Years 6-10) focuses on evaluating and refining AI policies and initiatives, strengthening international collaborations and partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability and scalability of AI projects.

For the strategy to be sustainable, continuous investment is required, securing long-term funding from the government, private sector, and international partners. Public-private partnerships should be fostered, encouraging collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Regulatory support is necessary, developing and maintaining a flexible regulatory framework that adapts to technological advancements. Community engagement is also crucial, involving citizens in the AI journey through awareness campaigns and public consultations.

Finally, regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to assess the impact of AI initiatives and make necessary adjustments. By focusing on these strategic pillars and ensuring sustainable implementation, Zimbabwe can harness the power of AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.