Zimbabwe has taken a bold step into the digital age with the adoption of a groundbreaking National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (2026–2030), a policy blueprint designed to transform the nation into a knowledge-driven economy, while safeguarding cultural values and promoting inclusive development.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the strategy demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no citizen or community is left behind as the country embraces emerging technologies.
“The development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is a direct response to the need to properly harness the economic benefits and disruptive effects of AI in the era of emerging technologies. This strategy shows that Zimbabwe is not just adapting to global technological shifts, we are actively shaping our future,” he said.
Dr Muswere noted that the AI Strategy is anchored on three key strategic imperatives that is economic sovereignty and competitiveness, cultural and social determination, and inclusive and resilient development.
“The first imperative focuses on transitioning Zimbabwe from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one to enhance innovation and productivity. The second promotes Zimbabwean cultural values and the philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu, ensuring that technology development remains rooted in humanity and social ethics. The third imperative emphasises the use of Artificial Intelligence to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, leaving no one and no place behind,” he explained.
Dr Muswere explained that the initiative was informed by the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report, which Cabinet approved in June 2025. The report underscored the importance of a coordinated national approach to AI adoption and development to maximise its potential, while managing its disruptive effects.
He added that the new strategy is closely aligned with existing national policies and frameworks such as Heritage-Based Education 5.0, Smart Zimbabwe, and the Cyber and Data Protection Act, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s digital transformation is both secure and citizen-centric.
“Our approach to Artificial Intelligence is agile, secure, and deeply rooted in our national identity. It is about using technology to advance productivity, innovation, and human dignity while preserving our cultural heritage,” he said.
The strategy is expected to foster innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and governance driving automation, data-driven decision-making, and efficiency across both public and private institutions. By integrating Unhu/Ubuntu ethics into AI frameworks, Zimbabwe aims to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than replacing it, making innovation a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and national pride.
The adoption of the National AI Strategy marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey one that blends modern technological progress with timeless cultural wisdom to build a smarter, fairer, and more connected nation.
