Zimbabwe is taking decisive steps to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) enhances rather than threatens employment opportunities, with Government rolling out policies aimed at protecting workers while embracing technological innovation.
Speaking at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo said the country was committed to ensuring that AI advances decent work, social justice and inclusive economic growth.
His remarks come at a time when governments and industries across the world are grappling with the impact of emerging technologies on labour markets amid concerns that automation could displace jobs and widen inequalities.
Min Moyo said while artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for increased productivity, innovation and economic transformation, there was a need to put people at the centre of technological advancement.
“The rapid advancement of AI and automation technologies is fundamentally reshaping the world of work. While these developments bring significant opportunities for productivity and innovation, they also present challenges related to employment security, workplace fairness and inequality,” he said.
He stressed that technology should complement rather than replace human labour and called for stronger collaboration among governments, employers and workers to ensure that AI is deployed responsibly.
“Governments, employers and workers must work together to ensure that technology serves humanity. Social dialogue and tripartism remain critical in managing this transition,” said Moyo.
The minister highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the future of work through the recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030), which places human-centred principles at the core of AI governance and adoption.
He said the strategy seeks to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Moyo also revealed that Zimbabwe is in the final stages of developing an Integrated Labour Market Information System with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The system is expected to improve labour market planning, skills forecasting and employment policy formulation.
“Government is also developing an Electronic Labour Case Management System aimed at modernising labour administration and improving the efficiency of labour dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said.
The minister said investment in education, upskilling and reskilling would be critical in enabling workers to adapt to technological change and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
“AI is a transformative force that will shape the future of our economies, industries and societies. We must work together as governments, employers and workers to ensure that technological advancement serves humanity and contributes to decent work, inclusive growth and social justice for all,” said Moyo.
His intervention places Zimbabwe among countries actively seeking to balance technological innovation with worker protection as the global economy enters a new era driven by artificial intelligence and automation.
