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JOHANNESBURG – Google has intensified its investment in Africa’s artificial intelligence and cloud computing ecosystem, unveiling a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the continent as global technology companies race to establish Africa as the next frontier for AI-driven economic growth.

The announcements followed the inaugural Google Cloud Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the first time the global technology giant has staged the event on African soil. The summit brought together government leaders, business executives, technology entrepreneurs and software developers to discuss the role of cloud computing and artificial intelligence in reshaping Africa’s digital economy.

The event also reinforces Johannesburg’s growing status as Africa’s leading cloud infrastructure hub. The city is set to host the AWS Summit on 19 August, highlighting intensifying competition between the world’s largest cloud service providers as they seek to capture a share of Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the summit, describing artificial intelligence as a strategic economic opportunity capable of transforming industries, enhancing productivity and strengthening Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

“Today’s Google Cloud Summit affirms Africa’s position as a core growth region for the global cloud ecosystem. As we step boldly into the age of artificial intelligence, our aspiration is to anchor South Africa as a catalyst for the continent’s digital ascendancy. By building robust infrastructure to harness this technology, we are doing more than modernising our economy; we are taking a quantum leap into the future,” Ramaphosa said.

Among the high-profile participants was Zimbabwean telecommunications entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, whose participation reflected the growing role African business leaders are expected to play in scaling digital infrastructure and technology investment across the continent.

The summit showcased Google’s integrated artificial intelligence platform, which combines cloud infrastructure, advanced AI models including Gemini, data analytics, cybersecurity solutions, software development tools and autonomous AI agents designed to enable businesses to modernise operations and accelerate innovation.

Shortly after the summit, Zimbabwean-born James Manyika, Google Senior Vice-President for Technology and Society, discussed the company’s long-term vision for Africa during an interview with South African political analyst and podcaster **Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh> on the SMWX platform.

The wide-ranging discussion examined artificial intelligence, the future of work, digital infrastructure and the conditions necessary for Africa to build globally competitive technology ecosystems.

Following the recent inaugural and historic Google Cloud Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, local podcaster Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh recently interviewed Zimbabwean-born
Google Senior Vice-President James Manyika on his SMWX platform.
Johannesburg hosted the Google Cloud… pic.twitter.com/RLeyaSsQp2

— TheNewsHawks (@NewsHawksLive) July 6, 2026

Manyika argued that Africa possesses significant potential to become an important participant in the global AI economy, provided investments continue in digital infrastructure, research, education and local innovation.

“The AI opportunity for Africa is significant, and Google is committed to doing our part, working with Africans to help Africa realise it. Building on our past commitments, we’re making new investments in critical areas: infrastructure, African-led innovation, and education and skill building. From a new Digital Exchange Port in the Eastern Cape to Africa’s first Applied AI Lab, we’re harnessing technical progress and building partnerships to amplify and scale Africa’s incredible vibrancy, hustle and innovation for the world,” Manyika said.

Google used the summit to announce five new initiatives under its “Building for Africa” programme, expanding on its previously announced US$1 billion commitment to Africa’s digital development. The initiatives build upon the company’s recent US$37 million investment in artificial intelligence research and digital skills development, as well as the establishment of the AI Community Centre in Accra, Ghana.

The new investments focus on expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening locally led AI research, improving technical education and developing the cloud capabilities required to support the next generation of African technology companies.

Industry analysts say the strategy reflects growing recognition among global technology firms that Africa’s young population, rapid urbanisation and accelerating internet adoption present one of the world’s largest untapped digital markets.

According to Google Cloud, African businesses are moving beyond pilot AI projects and are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence in commercial operations across telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, retail and logistics.

Maureen Costello, Vice President for UK, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, said the company’s Johannesburg Cloud Region has become a cornerstone of this transformation.

“African enterprises have moved decisively past the initial phases of AI experimentation. Powered by our Johannesburg Cloud Region, which is estimated to contribute US$90.6 billion (ZAR1.7 trillion) in additional gross economic output and support 314,900 jobs by 2030, leading organisations including Vodacom, Discovery, Pepkor and Naspers are establishing the essential framework to build and deploy autonomous agents that solve uniquely African challenges in real-world environments,” Costello said.

The economic implications extend beyond the technology sector. Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a general-purpose technology capable of raising productivity across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration. For African economies seeking to accelerate industrialisation while overcoming infrastructure constraints, cloud computing offers access to advanced computing power without requiring the substantial capital investment associated with traditional data centres.

For Zimbabwe, Manyika’s prominence within Google’s global leadership also underscores the growing influence of African talent in shaping the future of the international technology industry. His emphasis on African-led innovation reflects a broader shift away from viewing the continent solely as a consumer of imported technologies towards positioning it as a producer of globally relevant digital solutions.

As competition intensifies between global cloud providers including Google, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, Africa is emerging as an increasingly strategic market for digital infrastructure investment. The rapid expansion of hyperscale cloud services, fibre connectivity and artificial intelligence capabilities is expected to play a central role in determining the continent’s long-term competitiveness within the global digital economy.

The inaugural Google Cloud Summit therefore marked more than a regional technology conference. It signalled Africa’s growing importance in the global AI race and reinforced the continent’s transition from an emerging digital market to a strategic destination for long-term investment in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and next-generation digital infrastructure.

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HARARE – Zimbabwe’s ambitious plans to expand gold production and increase mining revenue could face fresh headwinds after JPMorgan Chase sharply lowered its long-term gold price forecast, potentially reducing the likelihood that the country will trigger higher royalty rates under its fiscal framework.

The Wall Street investment bank has revised its year-end gold price forecast from US$6,000 per ounce to US$4,500 per ounce, signalling that while the precious metal is expected to remain historically expensive, the upside previously anticipated has moderated considerably.

According to Mining Zimbabwe Magazine, although a gold price of US$4,500 an ounce would still represent one of the highest levels in history, the downgrade carries important implications for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, government revenue projections and the country’s long-standing ambition to increase annual gold production to 50 tonnes.

Zimbabwe operates a sliding royalty regime for gold producers, with royalty rates linked to international bullion prices. Under the current framework, miners pay a 5% royalty when gold prices are below US$1,200 per ounce, while the rate rises to 10% once prices exceed US$1,200 per ounce. The higher royalty has become an increasingly important source of fiscal revenue as global gold prices have strengthened in recent years.

However, analysts say lower-than-expected gold prices could reduce the overall value of royalty collections even if production volumes continue to increase. Government earnings from the sector are determined not only by how much gold is produced but also by the prevailing international price at which that gold is sold.

For Zimbabwe, whose mining industry has become one of the country’s largest sources of foreign currency earnings, the revision underscores the vulnerability of fiscal planning to movements in global commodity markets.

Gold remains Zimbabwe’s single largest mineral export, accounting for a substantial share of export receipts and providing vital foreign exchange needed to finance imports, support industrial production and strengthen external balances.

The government has repeatedly identified the mining sector as the cornerstone of its economic growth strategy, targeting increased investment in exploration, production and mineral beneficiation. Gold production has steadily recovered over recent years, driven by both large-scale mining companies and the country’s extensive artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

Authorities continue to pursue an annual production target of 50 tonnes, viewing higher output as critical to boosting export earnings, improving fiscal revenues and supporting broader macroeconomic stability.

Yet economists caution that production targets alone cannot guarantee higher national income. A decline in international prices can offset gains in output, reducing export receipts and government revenues despite increased mining activity.

Lower bullion prices would also place additional pressure on mining companies, particularly those operating higher-cost mines. Profit margins could narrow as revenues decline while operating costs—including labour, electricity, fuel, equipment maintenance and regulatory compliance—remain elevated.

Smaller producers and marginal operations would likely be most exposed, as they generally have less financial flexibility to absorb weaker commodity prices. Larger producers may remain profitable but could postpone expansion projects, exploration programmes or capital investment until market conditions improve.

For the Zimbabwean government, any sustained moderation in gold prices would present a fiscal challenge. Mining royalties have become an increasingly important source of public revenue, funding infrastructure, public services and broader development programmes. Lower realised export values could reduce tax collections and foreign currency inflows at a time when government continues to face significant expenditure demands.

The implications extend beyond fiscal policy. Reduced export earnings from gold could also place pressure on Zimbabwe’s balance of payments, foreign currency liquidity and exchange rate stability, particularly given the country’s dependence on mineral exports for hard currency.

Nevertheless, the outlook for the sector remains broadly positive by historical standards. Even at US$4,500 per ounce, gold prices would remain well above long-term averages, providing miners with strong operating margins compared with previous commodity cycles.

Industry analysts note that Zimbabwe’s long-term competitiveness will increasingly depend less on exceptionally high commodity prices and more on improvements in productivity, cost efficiency, investment certainty and efforts to curb gold leakages through smuggling.

The revised forecast therefore serves as a reminder that while elevated global prices have supported Zimbabwe’s mining industry over recent years, sustainable growth will ultimately depend on increasing production efficiency, strengthening formal marketing channels and maximising value addition rather than relying solely on favourable international commodity prices.

For Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the challenge is no longer simply producing more gold. It is ensuring that higher production translates into greater national value creation, resilient government revenues and long-term economic development, even in a less favourable global pricing environment.

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Zimbabwean footballer Divine Lunga has survived a gun attack in Johannesburg, South African police have said.

The football star, 31, was driving in the inner city suburb of Hillbrow on Sunday when his car was shot at by an unknown gunman, according to local reports.

Lunga, who plays for both Zimbabwe’s national football team and top South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, escaped unharmed.

Crime is a major problem in South Africa and the country has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said they were investigating a case of attempted murder but that no arrests had been made.

She did not provide further details, but South African publication The Citizen said that Lunga was on his way to church with his younger brother when they came under attack.

The duo were driving through Hillbrow when the suspect opened fire on their car, apparently mistaking him for an undercover police officer.

Lunga has played 21 times for Zimbabwe’s national team and was part of the team’s squad for the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The defender joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 and has helped them win four domestic league titles, as well as their second African Champions League in May.

Neither team has commented on the shooting but the Warriors, as Zimbabwe’s national team is known, has posted a picture of Lunga in a prayer position with a short caption, reading “In God we trust” alongside his name.

Source: BBC

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HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to safeguard the country’s natural wealth and ensure that proceeds from mining, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development benefit future generations, amid growing criticism over the management of national resources under his administration.

Addressing mourners at the National Heroes Acre yesterday during the burial of liberation war hero Retired Major General Evaristo Dzihwema, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s economic resources should be preserved and used to build a lasting legacy.

“The wealth which we generate from our land, from our mines, social services, tourism, infrastructure and development, as well as other entrepreneurial endeavours, should benefit generations to come, not just this present generation,” Mnangagwa said.

He added that Zimbabweans had a responsibility to create a better future for coming generations.

“We have a responsibility to live and build legacies for our children, and Zimbabwe for the future,” he said.

However, the President’s remarks have drawn scrutiny from critics who argue that they contrast sharply with concerns over the accumulation of wealth by politically connected individuals and business figures during his tenure.

Opposition groups and civil society activists have repeatedly questioned whether Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resources are translating into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly amid persistent economic challenges, high unemployment, declining purchasing power and pressure on public services.

Critics point to the visible rise in luxury consumption among members of the country’s political and business elite, including expensive vehicles, private aircraft, lavish properties and other high-value assets, as evidence of growing inequality between those with access to state-linked economic opportunities and ordinary Zimbabweans struggling with daily economic pressures.

The government has previously dismissed allegations of corruption and elite accumulation, arguing that economic reforms, investment promotion and increased mineral production are necessary to rebuild the economy after years of stagnation.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector remains at the centre of the country’s economic strategy, with gold, lithium, platinum and other minerals expected to generate foreign currency earnings and support development. However, critics argue that weaknesses in transparency, accountability and oversight have allowed significant mineral wealth to leave the country without delivering sufficient benefits to the broader population.

Concerns over illicit financial flows, smuggling and revenue leakages in the mining sector have remained a major issue in public debate, particularly in relation to gold, Zimbabwe’s largest mineral export earner.

Analysts say resource-rich countries often fail to achieve meaningful development when mineral wealth is concentrated among a narrow elite rather than channelled into productive investment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and industrial development.

The President’s call for responsible stewardship of national wealth therefore comes against the backdrop of continued debate over who has benefited most from Zimbabwe’s resources since the government intensified efforts to expand mining output.

While authorities maintain that the country is on a path towards economic transformation, critics argue that genuine development requires stronger institutions, greater transparency and accountability over the management of public resources.

They say the true measure of resource nationalism is not the volume of minerals extracted, but whether ordinary citizens experience tangible improvements in living standards, employment opportunities and access to essential services.

As Zimbabwe seeks to leverage its mineral wealth to drive economic recovery, the unresolved question remains whether the country’s resources will become a foundation for broad-based prosperity or continue to fuel inequality and elite accumulation.

The post Mnangagwa Calls for Protection of National Wealth as Critics Question His Patronage Network and Elite Opulence appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has called for dialogue and constructive engagement to address growing anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, saying a diplomatic approach remains the best way of resolving concerns affecting foreign nationals living in the neighbouring country.

The position was outlined by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who said Zimbabwe respected South Africa’s sovereignty and would not interfere in the country’s internal political and social affairs.

His remarks come amid renewed anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, have faced hostility from sections of local communities accusing migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public resources.

Speaking during a press briefing in Harare yesterday, Mutsvangwa said the Zimbabwean government believed that dialogue between relevant stakeholders offered the most effective route towards easing tensions.

“South Africa is still an independent country with its own governance and national jurisdictions. We do not want to seem intrusive in the internal politics of South Africa. We still believe the South African government has the capacity to deal with this situation,” Mutsvangwa said.

He added that Zimbabwe would not impose solutions on South Africa but would engage through appropriate channels if requested by South African authorities or other stakeholders.

“We are only responding at their own volition. We are not trying to be prescriptive,” he said.

However, the call for dialogue has raised questions over whether diplomatic engagement should be accompanied by stronger measures to support Zimbabweans affected by anti-immigrant sentiment, including discussions around repatriation assistance and economic opportunities at home.

Critics argue that while dialogue may help address immediate tensions, Zimbabwe also needs to confront the underlying economic conditions that have forced millions of its citizens to seek opportunities outside the country.

Zimbabwe has experienced significant migration flows to South Africa over several decades, driven largely by economic challenges, unemployment and the search for better livelihoods. South Africa remains one of the largest destinations for Zimbabwean migrants due to geographic proximity, economic size and historical links between the two countries.

The latest tensions come amid wider debates in South Africa over migration, labour markets and the capacity of the state to manage economic pressures affecting local communities.

Zimbabwean authorities have previously maintained that regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement are essential in protecting the interests of citizens living and working abroad while preserving strong bilateral relations with neighbouring countries.

Mutsvangwa said the government would continue monitoring developments while respecting South Africa’s right to manage its own domestic affairs.

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