Zimbabwe welcomes Econet AI launch

Published: 21 hours ago

The Government has welcomed the launch of Econet AI, describing it as a major step aligned with Zimbabwe's strategy to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for economic transformation.

The AI unit, unveiled in Harare last week by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe through its parent firm Cassava Technologies, marks the telecoms group's formal entry into the AI sector. The platform is expected to provide local businesses and institutions with access to advanced AI tools and computing power, positioning Zimbabwe to participate more actively in the global digital economy.

Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera said the initiative dovetails with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), which seeks to transform Zimbabwe from a consumer to a producer of advanced technologies.

"The launch of Econet AI is a welcome step that aligns with our National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030). It helps realise our ambition to move Zimbabwe from merely consuming to becoming a creator of AI technologies," she said.

Mavetera added that Government has already established governance frameworks to guide ethical and safe AI adoption, including an AI Strategy Implementation Office, a National Digital Regulatory Committee and regulatory sandboxes.

The move builds on Econet's legacy of transforming Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector over nearly three decades and is viewed as a significant milestone in expanding access to cutting-edge digital tools for local enterprises.

Through Cassava Technologies, founded by telecoms entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, the initiative has secured partnerships with global technology firms such as NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft and Anthropic. These collaborations are expected to unlock AI applications across sectors including agriculture, finance and public services.

Mavetera said such investments are critical for boosting productivity and creating opportunities, particularly for young people.

"Our National AI Strategy is designed to drive productivity and unlock new opportunities. The National Innovation Acceleration Centre will support digital entrepreneurship and the development of home-grown solutions in sectors like agriculture, healthcare and education," she said.

According to the African Development Bank, AI could contribute up to US$1 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2035 and create more than 40 million jobs if supported by strong data infrastructure and skills development.

Douglas Mboweni, chief executive of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, said the company is already deploying AI in its operations, including real-time network fault detection and multilingual customer support chatbots.

"If we don't deploy AI, others will launch solutions that push us out of business as Zimbabwean companies," he said.

Government reiterated its ambition to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for inclusive and sustainable AI innovation, supported by initiatives such as the National Innovation Acceleration Centre and the 1.5 Million Coding Programme.

The launch, attended by more than 200 government officials and business leaders, underscores the growing role of digital transformation in Zimbabwe's economic agenda.
- NewsDay

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