President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially launched Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), marking a major step in the country’s digital transformation and its ambition to build a knowledge-driven economy.

The strategy aims to integrate artificial intelligence across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, health, and education, to boost productivity and improve service delivery.

It also proposes incentives for businesses and innovators adopting AI technologies while promoting ethical, human-centred systems and stronger digital protections for citizens.

Zimbabwe’s move comes as several African countries accelerate efforts to harness AI for development.

Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Nigeria are among the nations leading the continent’s push to develop AI strategies, strengthen digital infrastructure, and build innovation ecosystems.

In Ethiopia, the government has also stepped up efforts to advance AI through national policy frameworks and the establishment of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, which focuses on research, innovation, and developing local AI solutions for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Ethiopia is also investing in innovation hubs and training programs. In 2026, the country launched an AI UniPod innovation center in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Addis Ababa University, aimed at connecting students, researchers, and startups to develop AI solutions for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Officials from the Ethiopian AI Institute say the country’s vision is to become a leading African AI research center by 2030.

In February 2026, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia will launch the world’s second university dedicated to artificial intelligence within a year, aiming to prepare youth for the future, boost innovation, and support sectors like agriculture, health, and industry—positioning the country as a regional tech hub.

Across the continent, AI is increasingly viewed as a key driver of economic transformation and innovation, aligning with the African Union’s broader development vision under Agenda 2063.

With its new strategy, Zimbabwe joins a growing group of African countries seeking to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and position themselves in the global digital economy.