Zimbabwe backs Econet AI launch as catalyst for digital economy growth
HARARE – The government has welcomed the launch of Econet AI, saying the initiative aligns 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 company Cassava Technologies, marks the telecoms group’s formal entry into the AI space. It is expected to give local businesses and institutions access to advanced AI tools and computing power, positioning Zimbabwe to participate more actively in the global digital economy.
ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera told NewsDay the development dovetails with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), which aims to position Zimbabwe as a producer of advanced technologies. She said government has already put in place governance frameworks to guide the safe and ethical adoption of AI, including an AI Strategy Implementation Office, a National Digital Regulatory Committee and regulatory sandboxes.
“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.
“These mechanisms are designed to ensure AI systems are transparent, ethical and aligned with national priorities.”
Econet’s move into AI comes nearly three decades after it transformed Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector. The launch is seen as a significant step towards integrating the country into the global AI economy, expanding access to tools that have largely been out of reach for local enterprises.
Through Cassava Technologies, founded by telecoms entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, the initiative has secured partnerships with global technology firms including NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft and Anthropic, enabling Zimbabwean businesses to tap into AI applications across sectors such as agriculture, finance and public services.
Mavetera said such investments are critical to boosting productivity and creating new economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
“The National AI Strategy is designed to drive productivity and unlock new opportunities. Our National Innovation Acceleration Centre will support digital entrepreneurship and the development of home-grown solutions in sectors like agriculture, healthcare and education,” she said.
The African Development Bank estimates that AI could contribute up to US$1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035, with potential to create more than 40 million jobs if supported by strong data infrastructure and skills development.
The Econet AI launch, attended by over 200 government officials and business leaders, highlights the growing role of digital transformation in Zimbabwe’s economic agenda. The company has assembled a team of more than 100 specialists to drive AI integration.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe chief executive Douglas Mboweni 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,” Mboweni said.
Government reiterated its long-term ambition to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for inclusive and sustainable AI innovation.
“Our vision is to establish Zimbabwe as a regional centre for ‘AI for Development’. Through our national strategy, the National Innovation Acceleration Centre and initiatives such as the 1.5 Million Coding Programme, we are building the talent and infrastructure needed to compete globally,” Mavetera said. – _*NewsDay*_
