By:
Van Soul Addey
Sixty
of Zimbabwe's emerging artificial intelligence innovators have completed an
intensive six-day bootcamp under the AI for Impact (AI4I) Challenge 2026, an
initiative designed to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that
support the country's national development agenda.
The
programme brought together young innovators, technology experts, government
officials and industry leaders to strengthen Zimbabwe's artificial intelligence
ecosystem while advancing the implementation of the country's National
Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Participants
received expert-led training covering technical development, business strategy,
mentorship and project evaluation, enabling them to refine AI solutions that
are both technically robust and commercially viable.
The
bootcamp focused on developing technologies capable of addressing real-world
challenges across sectors while encouraging innovation that can contribute to
economic growth and digital transformation.
NetOne
Cellular Private Limited participated in the programme through its Vice Board
Chair, Dr. T. Zengeni, and Arnold Mapindu, reaffirming the mobile operator's
commitment to supporting digital innovation, technology talent development and
the growth of emerging technologies in Zimbabwe.
The
event was attended by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and
Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, the Minister of
Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda
Mavetera, and the Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications
Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Dr. Gift Kallisto Machengete.
Government
representatives, regulators, industry executives and innovators used the
platform to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating
Zimbabwe's digital transformation and building a competitive innovation
ecosystem.
The
AI for Impact Challenge forms part of broader national efforts to nurture local
AI talent, strengthen digital skills and encourage the development of
home-grown technologies capable of addressing national priorities.
NetOne
said its participation reflects the company's continued commitment to
supporting initiatives that promote innovation, develop digital capabilities
and contribute to the growth of a connected, technology-driven economy.
