Zimbabwe is seeking to strengthen cooperation with South Korea in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, innovation and digital skills development as the country intensifies efforts to achieve full digital literacy by 2030.
Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera revealed the development following a meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jae Kyung Park, during which the two sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in the digital sector.
Mavetera said she had formally handed over Zimbabwe’s newly developed Artificial Intelligence Strategy to the South Korean envoy as part of efforts to foster cooperation in emerging technologies.
“Yesterday I had the honour of receiving South Korean Ambassador H.E. Jae Kyung Park at my offices. I handed over our new AI strategy and we explored deepening ties in digital transformation, AI, innovation, infrastructure and digital skills,” said Mavetera.
The minister said Zimbabwe has set an ambitious goal of achieving universal digital literacy within the next four years, with artificial intelligence skills expected to play a critical role in reaching that target.
“We have an ambitious target of reaching a 100 percent digital literacy rate by 2030. We will again push for more AI skills as we drive towards this target,” she said.
Minister Mavetera noted that partnerships with technologically advanced countries such as South Korea would help accelerate Zimbabwe’s digitalisation agenda and strengthen the country’s capacity to harness emerging technologies for economic growth and development.
“The growing cooperation between Zimbabwe and Korea would contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s aspirations of becoming a leading digital economy in the region.
Through this partnership, Zimbabwe is accelerating towards becoming a regional digital powerhouse. We will get there,” said Mavetera.
The engagement comes as the Government continues to prioritise digital transformation under the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, which seek to leverage information and communication technologies to improve service delivery, enhance economic productivity and create employment opportunities for young people.
South Korea is globally recognised for its advanced digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystem and leadership in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, making it a strategic partner for countries seeking to modernise their digital economies.
