Empowering Zimbabwe through Ethical and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence

Vision

To position Zimbabwe as a leader in responsible and innovative AI development in Africa.

Mission

To promote the ethical development, adoption, and governance of AI in Zimbabwe through collaboration, education, research, and policy.

Core Objectives

1 Build AI Capacity

• Deliver AI training for students, professionals, and educators.
• Offer workshops, bootcamps, and mentorship programs.
• Promote AI literacy in schools and rural communities.

2 Advance Research & Innovation

• Support AI research addressing local challenges (agriculture, health, education).
• Launch an annual AI Innovation Challenge.
• Publish the State of AI in Zimbabwe report.

3 Shape Policy & Ethics

• Develop a National AI Ethics Framework.
• Advise government on AI policy, data protection, and digital rights.
• Establish an AI Ethics Advisory Council.

4 Drive Industry Adoption

• Create an AI Industry Network connecting startups, corporates, and investors.
• Support AI pilots in AgriTech, HealthTech, and FinTech.
• Host the annual Zimbabwe AI Summit.

5 Promote Inclusion

• Empower women, youth, and underserved communities.
• Launch Women in AI Zimbabwe and Youth in AI initiatives.
• Ensure AI solutions reflect local languages and cultures.

6 Foster Global Collaboration

• Partner with African and global AI organizations.
• Represent Zimbabwe in international AI forums.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and attract investment.

Key Activities (First Year)

• Register AIAZ as a national association.
• Launch website and social media platforms.
• Host inaugural AI webinar and workshop.
• Form partnerships with universities and tech hubs.
• Publish first AI policy brief.
• Begin recruitment of members and sponsors.

Organizational Structure

• Board of Directors: Multi-stakeholder (academia, industry, government)
• Executive Director
• Thematic Committees: Education, Research, Policy, Industry, Ethics
• Regional Chapters: Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, etc.
• Special Interest Groups: AI in Health, AgriTech, EdTech, etc.

Target Sectors for AI Impact

Sustainability & Funding

• Membership fees (individuals, institutions, corporate partners)
• Government and donour grants
• Sponsorships from tech companies (local & global)
• Revenue from events, training, and consulting
• International partnerships and diaspora engagement

Get Involved

We invite stakeholders from academia, government, private sector, civil society, and the tech community to join AIAZ in building a smarter, more inclusive Zimbabwe.