Richard Shumba
Stakeholders in technology and development have called for urgent action to promote artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and digital inclusion across all sectors during a recent engagement held at the American Library in Gweru.
The meeting brought together development practitioners, technology experts, and community representatives to explore how Zimbabwe can bridge the digital divide and ensure that emerging technologies benefit everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
Wendy Matizha, the Gender and Development Programme Associate at the Zimbabwe Information and Technology Empowerment Centre (ZITECH), emphasized the importance of inclusive access to digital tools and knowledge, particularly for women and marginalized communities. She noted that while AI is rapidly transforming industries, many communities risk being left behind due to limited exposure and training.
“Digital equity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we do not deliberately include all sectors, we risk widening existing inequalities,” said Matizha.
She highlighted the need for targeted programs that empower communities with practical AI skills and knowledge.
Dr. Nancy Kwangwa, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Information and Technology Empowerment Centre, underscored the importance of policy and collaboration in advancing AI adoption in the country.
She revealed that her organization has been actively involved in drafting Zimbabwe’s national AI strategy, which aims to guide the ethical and inclusive use of technology.
“We are working to ensure that Zimbabwe’s AI framework reflects the needs of its people. This includes promoting responsible innovation, safeguarding data, and ensuring that no one is excluded from the digital economy,” said Dr. Kwangwa.
Participants at the event also discussed the potential of AI in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and media.
The meeting addressed various risks associated with artificial intelligence, including vishing— a form of voice-based scam where criminals use phone calls, sometimes enhanced by AI, to impersonate trusted institutions and trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or one-time codes— as well as fraud, misinformation, and other emerging cyber threats.
Concerns were raised about limited infrastructure, high data costs, and low digital literacy, all of which continue to hinder progress.
The engagement concluded with a call to establish multi-stakeholder partnerships among the government, private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to enhance AI awareness and training initiatives.
As Zimbabwe positions itself to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, experts at the Gweru meeting emphasized that empowering citizens with digital skills will be key to building an inclusive and sustainable technological future.
