Zimbabwe Launches Ambitious AI Strategy at Landmark UNDP Innovation Week

The Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today officially opened the AI and Innovation Week 2025, signalling a major national push to harness artificial intelligence for economic transformation and modernised governance.

In a keynote address at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, the Honourable Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, declared the event a "national signal of intent," positioning Zimbabwe to confidently step into the era of AI and innovation-led development.

The week serves as the launchpad for Zimbabwe's forthcoming **National AI Strategy (2026-2030)**, which is directly aligned with the country's Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategies (NDS1 & NDS2).

"The strategy focuses on five pillars: AI for Governance, Skills and Talent, Industry Competitiveness, Ethical AI, and Ecosystem Strengthening," stated Minister Mavetera. "This Week directly contributes to each pillar. The knowledge shared, prototypes developed, and partnerships formed here will accelerate the achievement of our national strategic goals."

The event features the **UNDP AI Sprint**, a global initiative that brings international AI specialists to Zimbabwe to work directly with government ministries and regulators. Alexander Hradecky, UNDP Global Lead for AI Programmes, and McDonald Nyoni, UNDP AI Policy Expert, are co-facilitating sessions to build local capacity for designing, testing, and deploying AI solutions.

UNDP representatives emphasized that the week is a platform to strengthen digital public infrastructure, ensure responsible AI adoption, and amplify the role of young innovators within the national ecosystem. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to an "AI-powered innovation ecosystem" that drives inclusive growth for all Zimbabweans.