The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has challenged students and emerging innovators to focus on artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as a critical driver of future industries and economic growth.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Innovators Forum in Bulawayo, Tremont said young people must position themselves at the forefront of technological change by embracing AI and related innovations.
“The technologies we are discussing this week, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, are reshaping every industry, from agriculture to healthcare to manufacturing,” she said.
She stressed that students are operating in an era where innovation tools are widely accessible, making it possible to develop impactful solutions from virtually anywhere.
“Your generation does not need permission to innovate. You just need skills, networks and courage.”
Tremont urged young innovators to prioritise practical skills such as coding, data analysis and design thinking, while also building strong professional networks and maintaining resilience in the face of failure.
She cited Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos as entrepreneurs who turned simple ideas into global enterprises through experimentation and persistence.
“There is growing impact of AI across sectors. Its application in agriculture through drone technology improves crop monitoring and productivity, as well as in healthcare where it enhances early diagnosis of diseases,” she said.
“It is also used in complex environments such as space exploration, demonstrating how it can solve high-level challenges.”
Tremont reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem through partnerships, exchange programmes and engagement with local institutions.
She said Zimbabwe has significant potential anchored on its youthful population, urging students to leverage AI in solving local challenges.
“Zimbabwe’s innovation story will be written by Zimbabweans. The next great innovation could start in this room,” she said.