Students urged to embrace AI for future jobs

Students and institutions of higher learning have been urged to adopt artificial intelligence and other digital technologies as the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes global economies and workplaces.

Speaking at an AI workshop attended by university students in Harare, veteran journalist and New Ziana Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo said digital transformation is no longer a future concept but an immediate requirement for career success.

She said academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in the modern job market, with employers increasingly prioritising candidates who are digitally skilled and able to work with emerging technologies.

Ruzvidzo emphasised that digital literacy has shifted from being an added advantage to a basic requirement for employability.

She noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, education and media, making it essential for students to adapt quickly.

Ruzvidzo also linked Zimbabwe's digital drive to the national development agenda, saying government policy prioritises innovation and technology as key drivers of economic growth.

Students were encouraged to develop skills in areas such as data analytics, AI tools, digital communication and content creation in order to remain competitive and become future innovators and entrepreneurs.

Participants at the workshop said the training had broadened their understanding of AI and its potential applications across different fields.

Organisers said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe's National AI Strategy and broader efforts to equip students with skills needed for a digital economy, with support from private sector technology partners.