Zimbabwe is exploring expanded cooperation with UNESCO in the areas of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and digital governance following high-level discussions held on February 10 between ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Tawfik Jelassi. The talks focused on strengthening collaboration around AI policy frameworks, public sector digital transformation, regulation and governance of digital platforms, and the development of digital skills for youth and adults.
During the meeting, Zimbabwe emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in enhancing government operations and accelerating national development. Authorities underscored the importance of research, innovation, and partnerships with academic and technical institutions to foster sustainable and locally driven technological solutions.
The engagement aligns with the country’s long-term digital ambitions under the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, which seeks to integrate information and communication technologies across all sectors of society and the economy to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. The strategy positions AI as a critical driver of efficiency, innovation, and improved service delivery in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and public administration. UNESCO has been supporting Zimbabwe in developing its national AI strategy and assessing its readiness to adopt and govern emerging technologies.
However, a readiness assessment published in July 2025 highlights significant challenges that must be addressed to fully harness AI’s potential. These include the need for a comprehensive national strategy, concerns over foreign technological dominance and cultural imposition, risks to human autonomy, financing constraints, infrastructure limitations, and research capacity gaps linked to brain drain.
Zimbabwe’s digital governance performance remains a work in progress. The country ranks 149th out of 193 nations in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.4481, below the global average of 0.6382, underscoring the urgency of strengthening its digital transformation efforts.
