Zimbabwe Unveils National AI Strategy Aimed at Digital Sovereignty and Regional Leadership

HARARE — Zimbabwe has launched an ambitious national strategy to use artificial intelligence as a catalyst for economic transformation, betting that home-grown innovation can boost productivity, create jobs and modernise key sectors of the economy by 2030.

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030) outlines plans to embed AI technologies across agriculture, mining, healthcare, education, finance and public administration, marking one of the most comprehensive AI policy frameworks yet adopted in Southern Africa.

Agriculture, which employs a majority of Zimbabweans, is a central focus. The strategy proposes AI-powered precision farming, early disease detection using image analysis, climate-smart planting tools and satellite-backed crop insurance to support both smallholder and commercial farmers. Officials say these tools could help farmers adapt to climate shocks while improving yields and incomes.

In mining, AI is expected to support geological exploration, predictive maintenance and environmental monitoring, potentially reducing costs and improving safety in one of the country’s most important export sectors. Similar productivity gains are projected in manufacturing, logistics and energy, where AI-driven optimisation is expected to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

To support these applications, the government plans to expand national computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing facilities and sovereign data centres powered partly by renewable energy. The strategy frames this as “computational sovereignty,” aimed at reducing dependence on foreign cloud providers and ensuring uninterrupted access to critical AI systems .

Talent development is another cornerstone. AI literacy will be introduced at all education levels, while universities are expected to host specialised AI centres of excellence. The government also plans to tap into Zimbabwe’s diaspora through remote appointments and incentive schemes designed to reverse long-standing brain drain.

Five flagship initiatives are intended to jump-start the ecosystem, including a national AI Grand Challenge to crowdsource solutions to local problems, a sovereign AI and data platform known as Project Pangolin, and a co-investment fund to support AI startups. A nationwide public awareness campaign is also planned to demystify AI and build trust among citizens.

The strategy positions small and medium enterprises as key beneficiaries. AI tools such as chatbots, predictive analytics and automated logistics are expected to help SMEs expand market access and withstand economic volatility. Women- and youth-led enterprises are earmarked for targeted support to ensure inclusive growth.

Financing remains a major challenge. The document calls for blended funding models combining public investment, private capital and international development support. While officials acknowledge the high cost of AI infrastructure, they argue that early investment is essential to avoid falling further behind technologically.

Critics note that Zimbabwe’s broader economic constraints — including power supply, connectivity gaps and limited venture capital — could slow implementation. The strategy itself identifies energy reliability and rural connectivity as critical enablers that must be addressed for AI adoption to scale.

Still, policymakers argue that AI offers Zimbabwe a chance to leapfrog traditional development pathways. “AI is not just about technology,” the strategy states. “It is about productivity, competitiveness and dignity for citizens” .