MISA Zimbabwe Raises Concerns Over Digital Inclusion Gaps in National AI Strategy

Harare — The Media Institute of Southern Africa Zimbabwe chapter (MIS-Zim) says country's ambitious National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy set to run from 202 to 2030, risks widening existing digital and gender inequalities unless implementation is matched by significant investment in infrastructure, affordable internet access, digital skills and inclusive policies.

In an analysis by researcher Helen Sithole, published as part of MISA Zimbabwe's series examining digital sector reforms and human rights, the organisation acknowledges that the country's digital policy framework strongly commits to inclusion but argues that structural barriers could prevent many Zimbabweans from benefiting from the AI revolution.

Zimbabwe's National ICT Policy (2022–2027) and the National AI Strategy identify inclusivity accessibility, non-discrimination and human rights as core principles guiding the country's digital transformation agenda.

The strategy also proposes ethical AI development based on privacy protection, due process, dignity and equal participation, with measures such as accessible technologies for persons with disabilities, gender-balanced development teams, gender impact assessments and greater participation of women, young people and the elderly.

However, MISA Zimbabwe argues that these commitments face significant implementation challenges.

According to the analysis, flagship initiatives under the strategy, including the AI Grand Challenge, Project Pangolin, the Nzwisiso.ai public literacy campaign and the National AI Innovation Fund, may unintentionally favour urban institutions and already well-resourced innovators.

The report says participants with reliable internet connectivity, technical expertise and institutional support are more likely to benefit from these programmes, while rural communities and disadvantaged groups could remain excluded.

Drawing on findings from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the analysis notes that although internet connectivity has expanded in Zimbabwe, meaningful access remains limited by affordability, inadequate digital skills and unequal access to quality internet services.

It further highlights that only 35 percent of primary schools and 49 percent of secondary schools have internet connectivity, raising concerns over the effectiveness of AI literacy programmes in communities that still lack basic digital access.

MISA Zimbabwe also says women continue to face barriers in accessing digital devices, internet connectivity and advanced technology training, warning that the strategy lacks sufficiently targeted interventions to address gender disparities in the digital economy.

The analysis further points to infrastructure constraints identified by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), including uneven distribution of 4G and 5G networks, rising operating costs within the telecommunications sector, declining capital investment and unreliable electricity supplies.

The challenges, it says, could limit the deployment of advanced AI technologies outside major urban centres.

The report also raises concerns over Zimbabwe's data ecosystem, arguing that AI systems require reliable, high-quality datasets and stronger institutional capacity.

It cites challenges previously identified within the national statistical system, including shortages of skilled personnel, inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources, which continue to affect data quality and management.

MISA Zimbabwe further notes that while the strategy prioritises human capital development through AI, cybersecurity and data analytics training, existing shortages of specialised expertise and the continued migration of skilled professionals may undermine these efforts.

The organisation also argues that expanding training opportunities alone will not guarantee that skilled professionals remain in Zimbabwe or find opportunities to apply their expertise locally.

The analysis concludes that Zimbabwe should focus on strengthening foundational digital infrastructure, improving affordability, expanding connectivity, enhancing digital literacy, strengthening governance systems and protecting human rights before pursuing large-scale AI deployment.

"AI is not a starting point but a layer that relies on reliable infrastructure, inclusive access, robust data systems, institutional capacity and public trust," the analysis states.