daniel chigunwe
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
INNOVATIVE thinking must be central to approaching and embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera has said.
Speaking on her behalf at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) ICT Day conference and expo in Harare yesterday, her deputy, Dingimuzi Phuti, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between governments and academia.
The event, themed “Accelerating AI Adoption in Africa Through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” highlighted the critical intersection of technology and governance in advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
Dr Mavetera noted that fostering partnerships allows for the leveraging of diverse perspectives and expertise to develop solutions tailored to unique challenges.
“By promoting collaboration between African nations, we can share knowledge, resources, and best practices, creating a unified front that enhances our collective capabilities,” she said.
“Our youth are our greatest asset; hence we must equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This includes integrating AI and digital literacy into our educational curricula, ensuring that the next generation is prepared for the future.”
Dr Mavetera emphasised that AI has the potential to drive progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“By aligning our AI initiatives with these goals, we can ensure that our efforts contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all,” she added.
Dr Mavetera also commended the exhibitors who won various awards for their contributions.
“Let us work together to build the Zimbabwe that we all want. The journey towards accelerated AI adoption in Africa requires commitment, collaboration, and visionary leadership. Let us embrace this opportunity to drive innovation through thoughtful policy, ensuring that our efforts lead to sustainable development across the continent. Together, we can transform Africa into a global leader in AI technology, creating a legacy of prosperity and resilience for generations to come.”
Dr Gift Machengete, director-general of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), said they are actively working to expand digital infrastructure to ensure that AI technologies reach even the most remote communities.
“We are also promoting research and development to cultivate local AI solutions tailored to African contexts,” he said.
“Furthermore, the Authority is strengthening digital literacy initiatives to equip our people, especially the youth, including those with disabilities, with the skills required to thrive in an AI-driven world. Importantly, we are working on developing ethical guidelines to safeguard against biases and ensure the responsible use of AI technologies.”
Dr Machengete emphasised the necessity of collaborative efforts.
“The path to success is one we must walk together. Governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society all have critical roles to play in building the networks, knowledge bases, and partnerships necessary for Africa to lead in AI innovation.”
