Examining Mthuli's 2025 Budget through a Technology Lens, Encompassing AI, Data Centers, and ZESA
Zimbabwe Embraces Digital Transformation
Zimbabwe is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey, with a focus on e-Government, ICT in education, and initiatives related to transparency in the Universal Services Fund (USF), although recent information on USF transparency is sparse.
E-Government Programmes
The government has introduced an e-passport system, online company registration via the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, and the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for the judiciary. Efforts are underway to expand ICT infrastructure and improve service coordination, focusing on connectivity gaps and platform integration across government services.
ICT in Education
While detailed recent data on ICT in education in Zimbabwe is limited, there are signs of youth engagement in digital skills development. Students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) are developing AI-based tools for agriculture and disease prediction, and youth-led innovation hubs like Impact Hub Harare and AI ZW Network are fostering digital skills and entrepreneurship.
Universal Services Fund (USF) Transparency
There is currently no direct, up-to-date information on transparency initiatives or progress in Zimbabwe’s USF governance. The USF typically focuses on extending ICT services to underserved areas, but concrete reporting on transparency or reforms is not evident in the provided materials.
Digital Transformation Initiatives
The 2025 National Budget has allocated ZiG259.8 million to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development for investment in power generation, transmission, and distribution network, and rural electrification. The Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, is proposing the creation of local ICT products and promoting projects like Smart Health, Smart Agriculture, Smart Government, Smart Cities, and Smart Stadiums.
The government recognizes the potential of AI in creating new industries, fostering innovation, and addressing challenges in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, and public service delivery. To drive this innovation, the government will invest in STEM education, promote AI research and development in universities, and collaborate between academia, research institutions, and industry to incubate AI startups.
A National Data Centre will be established as a safe, central hub for the Government's private cloud, handling the Government's digital applications and IT systems. The government will prioritize the use of appropriate technologies, policies, and practices to protect devices, networks, software, and data from cyber threats.
However, the country faces challenges in collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia, so there is a lot of work to be done in this area. A significant power deficit is projected to continue until 2030, potentially hindering the country's ability to 'harness the power of AI'. This, in turn, is making it harder for ZIDA to attract foreign investment.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe's digital transformation is progressing well in e-Government with concrete systems in place and expanding ICT innovation among the youth and fintech sectors. The country is also developing a national AI strategy with international support. However, explicit recent data on ICT specifically in formal education curricula or USF transparency governance remains limited in the accessible sources.
- To advance the education-and-self-development sector, youth at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) are utilizing the internet access to develop AI-based tools for agriculture and disease prediction.
- Mobile operators and the government can collaborate to ensure that investing in technology like Smart Health, Smart Agriculture, Smart Government, Smart Cities, and Smart Stadiums for various sectors improve business operations and sports facilities.
- Financing digital transformation initiatives, such as investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution network, and rural electrification, is crucial for fostering technology adoption in Zimbabwe's finance and business sectors.
- The government is conscious of the potential of technology in fostering digital education, encouraging STEM education, promoting AI research and development in universities, and collaborating with academia, research institutions, and industry to nurture AI startups.
