Zimbabwe invests in AI localisation

The deployment and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools across Zimbabwe's sectors should focus on harnessing local innovation to safeguard the country's identity and cultural values, a senior government official has urged.

Speaking at a belated World Press Freedom Day event held in Harare last week, Richard Mahomva, Director of International Communication at the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, stressed the need to localize AI technologies as Zimbabwe embraces the digital revolution.

"While Zimbabwe must embrace generative AI tools, our focus and investment are on ensuring that emerging technologies are adapted to our local context," Mahomva said. "The use of AI must ensure compatibility with our national values and aspirations."

He highlighted the role of local journalism in this digital transformation, noting the importance of machine learning tools in promoting the use of Zimbabwe's 16 local languages. "Local journalism, for example, must be able to utilize AI to ensure wider accessibility across all our languages," Mahomva added.

The official said the government's strategic approach to AI is grounded in leveraging economic benefits by actively participating in the digital economy. "A key pillar of our media policy is fostering a vibrant and sustainable media sector. Integrating AI tools into newsrooms is among the interventions proposed to support the media's sustainability," he explained.

Echoing the call for responsible AI use, Dag Sundelein, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy in Zimbabwe, urged the media to employ AI ethically. "AI presents opportunities to enhance journalists' work, but its use must be grounded in strong ethical standards," he said.

Simbiso Marimbe, representing International Media Support (IMS), described generative AI as a "game changer" for journalism, particularly in investigative reporting, data journalism, and fact-checking.

Nigel Nyamutumbu, coordinator of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), which organised the event, underscored the critical role of AI adoption at both individual and institutional levels in shaping the future of journalism.

"MAZ has been leading policy dialogues to position Zimbabwean media within the evolving digital landscape and to explore the opportunities AI offers," Nyamutumbu said. "These platforms are designed to generate actionable recommendations that can be monitored for implementation."

He added that MAZ is planning further engagements as part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives to help media practitioners navigate the complexities of AI.

"Our goal is for these discussions to be integrated into a wider framework that supports the strategic priorities of the media sector, including media sustainability," Nyamutumbu explained.

He also revealed a partnership between MAZ and the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) Women in News initiative to conduct a follow-up policy dialogue focusing on media sustainability.

As Zimbabwe charts its path in the digital era, stakeholders emphasise that AI must be embraced thoughtfully, ensuring that technological progress supports cultural preservation, economic development, and media viability.