Zimbabwe initiates artificial intelligence (AI) policy development. Will the AI strategy be significant?

Zimbabwe initiates artificial intelligence (AI) policy development. Will the AI strategy be significant?

Zimbabwe is actively developing its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy as part of the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, with a focus on transforming the country into a digital and knowledge-based economy by 2030 [1][3].

The AI strategy prioritises the creation of inclusive, ethical, and human-centered AI solutions that cater to the local needs and realities of Zimbabwe. Emphasis is placed on embedding AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, governance, and infrastructure, with a strong focus on digital inclusion, local innovation, and ethical standards [3][4].

The strategy reflects a broader commitment to ensure AI policy respects local cultures, languages, and community priorities, while supporting economic growth and data sovereignty in line with continental initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 [4].

In an effort to foster local participation, Zimbabwe has established over 200 community information centers in rural areas to connect underserved populations with ICT and government services [3]. Zimbabwean officials also engage in international forums, emphasising the importance of bridging capacity gaps and building digital trust, reflecting national priorities of inclusive infrastructure and human-centered AI governance [3].

The country pursues a hybrid governance approach that combines regulatory frameworks on personal data protection with active community involvement to enhance ethical AI development and societal trust [5].

Dr Beulah Chirume, the ICT Permanent Secretary, emphasises the centrality of AI to a technological revolution, transforming various sectors [1]. She acknowledges the need for self-involvement in the AI policy-making process to avoid negative outcomes and expresses concern about the potential negative outcomes of an AI strategy that does not consider the local context [1][2].

The ongoing work on the AI strategy requires active participation from all sectors of society. The drafting process was initiated with a consultative workshop in Kadoma, involving UNESCO, ICT and cybersecurity experts, academia, industry trailblazers, private sector innovators, and members of Parliament [2].

Dr Chirume expresses skepticism about the ability of the strategy to help Zimbabwe reach Vision 2030 goals, admitting that they have a lot of work to do to develop locally relevant AI solutions. Despite improvements, internet access in Zimbabwe does not fully match the paper stats [2].

The goal of the AI strategy is not just to use AI, but to develop and export locally relevant AI solutions. The strategy aims to have a tangible, positive impact on Zimbabwe's society and economy, building on the country's high mobile penetration and improved internet access, which provide a foundation for building an AI ecosystem [2].

References:

[1] The Herald. (2021, October 15). AI strategy at risk of failure, warns Chirume. Retrieved from https://www.herald.co.zw/ai-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-warns-chirume/

[2] Zimbabwe Today. (2021, October 15). Zimbabwe's AI Strategy: A Step Towards Vision 2030 or a Gwanda Solar Project Repeat? Retrieved from https://www.zimbabwetoday.com/2021/10/15/zimbabwes-ai-strategy-a-step-towards-vision-2030-or-a-gwanda-solar-project-repeat/

[3] Government of Zimbabwe. (2021). Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan. Retrieved from https://smartzimbabwe.gov.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Smart-Zimbabwe-2030-Master-Plan.pdf

[4] UNESCO. (2021). AI for the Global South: A Policy Framework for Africa. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/ai_policy_framework_for_africa.pdf

[5] African Union. (2020). Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Retrieved from https://au.int/en/agenda2063/agenda-2063-africa-we-want

The AI strategy in Zimbabwe prioritizes the integration of artificial-intelligence (AI) within sectors such as healthcare, education, governance, and infrastructure, with a focus on digital inclusion. This strategic approach highlights the need for internet access to facilitate the AI ecosystem's development (technology).

To ensure the AI strategy respects local cultures, languages, and community priorities, Zimbabwe aims to develop and export locally relevant AI solutions, building on the country's high mobile penetration and improved internet access (internet access).

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