Zimbabwe has deepened its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to accelerate digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption as part of its “Smart Zimbabwe 2030” strategy, officials said Friday.
The move positions artificial intelligence as a central driver of national development, targeting improvements in public sector efficiency, service delivery, and socio-economic growth. Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera met with UNESCO Deputy Director-General for Communication and Information, Tawfik Jelassi, on February 10 to discuss AI policy frameworks, platform governance, and digital skills development for youth and adults.
“Our discussions focused on national policy frameworks, digital transformation in the public sector, platform regulation, and digital skills development,” Jelassi said. Minister Mavetera highlighted the transformative role of AI and emerging technologies, emphasizing collaboration with academic and technical institutions to promote sustainable solutions.
Zimbabwe’s engagement with UNESCO follows the formulation of its national AI strategy, with the international agency also conducting assessments of the country’s readiness for artificial intelligence deployment. Authorities believe that AI will stimulate innovation across key sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and public administration, while boosting efficiency in governance.
However, challenges remain. A July 2025 UNESCO assessment cited persistent limitations in financing, research capacity, and technical infrastructure. The report also highlighted risks including foreign dominance, cultural imposition, and the erosion of human autonomy, alongside the country’s ongoing “brain drain” as skilled professionals emigrate.
The digital transformation push is linked to the government’s broader “Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan,” which aims to integrate information and communication technologies across the economy. The International Telecommunication Union notes that a 10 percent increase in a country’s digitalization score can generate a 0.75 percent rise in GDP per capita, highlighting the economic potential of accelerated digital adoption.
Zimbabwe’s performance in e-government remains below global standards. The country ranked 149th out of 193 nations in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, recording a score of 0.4481 out of 1, well below the global average of 0.6382.
By working closely with UNESCO, Zimbabwe aims to build capacity, establish comprehensive AI governance frameworks, and develop digital infrastructure to transform public services, foster innovation, and strengthen its position in the emerging African digital economy.
