Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts have urged Zimbabwe to harness the technology not only for business but also to address social, political, and human challenges.
They stressed that AI should be linked to improving lives and driving sustainable development.
The call came during the launch of Professor Arthur Mutambara’s new book, Developing Artificial Intelligence to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, held at the Bulawayo Club on Thursday. The event attracted business leaders, engineers, academics, and young people interested in how AI could shape the country’s future.
“AI is a transformative technology. AI is very powerful. Why don’t we use AI to solve socio-political human problems? Why don’t we use AI to improve the quality of life of our people? Let us deploy artificial intelligence to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Prof Mutambara.
He stressed that suitable frameworks must be put in place to ensure AI is directed towards human development and environmental protection.
“We must link AI to human development. We must use AI to drive human development and preserve the people and the planet,” he said.
Mutambara highlighted the importance of balancing economic progress with social inclusion and environmental protection.
“In terms of sustainable development, we must balance economic growth, social inclusion and environmental inclusion to ensure a prosperous future for all,” he added.
Christopher Muguga, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, warned that the country risks being left behind if AI is not integrated into national policies.
“When we talk of industrialisation, when we talk of education, when we say we are making a second review to accommodate changes in our education system, to what extent are we factoring AI? AI makes you the industry,” said Muguga.
Engineer Professor William Goriwondo noted that while AI could provide solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges, collaboration was key.
“Probably we are having a mentality whereby someone is doing something very good in their own right, but not talking to the next person. We need unity and collaboration. Destroying those silos would bring us all together to work towards a common goal, which has been enshrined in the SDGs,” he said.
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