Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence represents the most powerful tools in generations for expanding knowledge, increasing prosperity and enriching the human experience, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has said.
Speaking on the impact of AI on national security of Zimbabwe to participants of the National Defence Course at the Zimbabwe National Defence University in Harare yesterday, the Minister said artificial intelligence was rapidly evolving the technological landscape and positively affecting national development.
“AI is no longer a concept confined to the pages of science fiction, it is rapidly reshaping economies, societies and governance structures across the globe. Its potential to drive efficiency, innovation and solutions to complex challenges, from climate-smart agriculture and precision healthcare to optimised public service delivery and enhanced national security, is undeniable,” said Minister Mavetera.
“I see AI not just as an emerging technology, but as a strategic necessity, for example, in the security domain, our adversaries recognise this and are moving quickly to exploit these technologies in ways that challenge our national and economic security like never before.”
She said for Zimbabwe, this is a moment of both challenges and immense opportunity.
“We stand at a critical juncture where the decisions we make today will determine our nation’s trajectory in the digital age. The development of a comprehensive and forward-looking National AI Strategy following the successful launch of the Zimbabwe AI-RAM report is not just a matter of keeping pace with the rest of the world, it is about strategically leveraging AI to achieve our national development goals and build a prosperous, inclusive, and technologically advanced Zimbabwe,” she said.
She noted that Zimbabwe, under the guidance of President Mnangagwa and through the framework of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Masterplan, and Vision 2030, is committed to embracing technological advancement as a cornerstone of economic transformation.
“We recognise that AI presents a unique opportunity not merely to catch up, but to strategically position ourselves to leapfrog certain developmental stages. We meet at a transformative juncture where Zimbabwe’s economic outlook is promising, anchored by key infrastructure investments and successful reforms,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said she was aware that the journey towards fully implementing AI is fraught with challenges.
“An AI strategy developed in isolation, without broad input and foresight, risks exacerbating inequalities or failing to address our specific national context and priorities,” she said.
To support AI adoption, Minister Mavetera said her ministry has created platforms for deploying AI models and a searchable repository of tools and datasets.
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