2026 – 2030
Acknowledgements
The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services (MICTPCS), led by the Honourable Minister Tatenda A. Mavetera, Honourable Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, Permanent Secretary Dr. Beaulah Chirume, and Chief Director Mr. Prince Sibanda, wishes to express its profound gratitude to the diverse array of stakeholders whose invaluable contributions shaped this strategy. This document is a product of a truly national effort, enriched by the insights from the Office of the President and Cabinet, government ministries, academia, the private sector, civil society, diaspora representatives and development partners. The Ministry extends special appreciation to those who developed the Kadoma Draft and to the participants of the National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation held in Harare on 28 August 2025, Bulawayo and Masvingo on 9 and 11 September 2025 respectively whose rigorous interrogation and validation of the Kadoma Draft provided the critical refinements contained in this final version. The Ministry acknowledges the technical and financial support provided by the Ministry staff, and POTRAZ.
The Ministry further extends its sincere appreciation to the United Nations in Zimbabwe for its invaluable technical and financial support throughout the process. We would like to specifically highlight UNESCO's leadership in this regard through the assistance to Zimbabwe in conducting Artificial Intelligence readiness assessment, resulting in an AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report, which identified the development of a national AI strategy as a major recommendation. UNESCO's AI RAM report for Zimbabwe was therefore pivotal in triggering and facilitating the series of national expert consultations in Kadoma, Harare, Bulawayo and Masvingo culminating in the development and finalization of this strategy.
The Ministry also would like to recognise in particular the dedicated work of our national AI experts, with drafting core team members, Honourable Commissioner Dr. Eng. Martin Muduva (ZHRC), Professor Tawanda Mushiri (SIRDC), Dr. Tendai Zengeni (AU), Mrs. Loveness Ngwanga (MICTPCS/AG) and Eng. Leonard Jukwa (MICTPCS). Special mention also goes to our lead rapporteurs, Dr. N. Kwangwa (WUA), Dr. Gilford Hapanyengwi (ZIMCHE), Prof. Sam Takavarasha Jnr, Prof. Ronald Manhibi (BUSE) and Dr. Panashe Chiurunge (AU Chief AI Scientist). This strategy is a product of collective commitment to securing Zimbabwe's prosperous and sovereign digital future.
Design and layout: Marike Strydom, Jade Rose Graphic Design
Cover: © stock.adobe.com
Contents
Foreword: From the President, His Excellency CDE, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa 02 Foreword: From the Hon Minister, Hon. Tatenda A. Mavetera 03 Foreword: From the Hon Deputy Minister, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti 04 Foreword: From the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Beauliah Chirume 05 Acronyms 06 Executive Summary 08 Introduction 09 Situational Analysis: Zimbabwe's AI Readiness 12 Vision and guiding principles 17 Strategic Pillars: The Six Foundations of Zimbabwe's AI Transformation 19 Flagship Initiatives: Igniting the National AI Mission 40 Implementation and governance 42 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework 48 Appendices 56
Foreword
From the President, His Excellency CDE, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa