Arthur Mutambara, a robotics professor and former deputy Prime Minister, actively advocates for the Zimbabwean government to partner with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) in embracing the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
At the 2023 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) State of the Industry and Commerce Conference, Mutambara highlighted the need to resolve power issues for AI development. According to a report by Newsday, he insisted that without SADC and AU support, Zimbabwe would struggle to prepare for AI.
Mutambara emphasized the critical roles of continental integration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in AI adoption. “You cannot do AI without power,” he stated, stressing the necessity for energy solutions. He recommended participation in regional projects like the Batoka project, which promises sufficient energy for the continent.
He also urged Zimbabwe to prioritize investment in renewable energy, which is vital for effectively adopting AI and overcoming the nation’s power challenges. AI programs demand considerable power, he noted, doubling the nation’s energy needs for both industry and AI applications.
Additionally, Mutambara called for investment in battery energy systems to store energy for future use, underscoring the role of renewable energy projects in Zimbabwe’s AI journey.
According to a recent Allied Market Research report, the global AI industry is projected to generate US$153.6 billion in 2023, growing to US$3.6 trillion by 2033, highlighting AI’s vast potential in the global economy.
To gear up for this, Mutambara encouraged the private sector to join forces with the government in starting AI education from early childhood. He argued that cultivating talent from a young age is essential for Zimbabwe to effectively address AI challenges.
He also advocated for a mindset change among the older generation to grasp and adopt AI. “They are here to stay,” Mutambara asserted, focusing on the need to educate them about AI fundamentals.
In conclusion, Mutambara stressed the significance of promoting good governance and combating corruption as critical for AI’s success in Zimbabwe. He emphasized the need to prepare mindsets for value addition through AI, declaring, “AI is value addition.”
