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Mutambara Warns Africa: Build AI or Be Ruled by It
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Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:07:45 +0000
By Meshia Mambo Zimbabwean robotics scientist Professor Arthur Mutambara has warned that Africa risks becoming permanently dependent on foreign technology unless it develops its own artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Addressing delegates at the inaugural Southern Africa Public Procurement Forum in Harare recently, the former Deputy […]
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By Meshia Mambo
Zimbabwean robotics scientist Professor Arthur Mutambara has warned that Africa risks becoming permanently dependent on foreign technology unless it develops its own artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural Southern Africa Public Procurement Forum in Harare recently, the former Deputy Prime Minister urged governments across the region to move beyond simply adopting AI technologies and instead become creators of them.
Mutambara,whose career includes research at NASA and teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said the future of economic power and national sovereignty would be determined by those who build and control AI.
“The people who are controlling AI are six men and no women, no Africans, no Chinese in that room. That is the danger of a few men, unelected, running the world through technology. It is called techno-feudalism. No women. No Africans,” he said.
He argued that the concentration of AI development in the hands of a small number of technology companies poses significant risks for countries that remain consumers rather than innovators.
Mutambara said artificial intelligence was advancing rapidly towards what experts describe as artificial superintelligence where machines outperform even the brightest human minds.
“Artificial superintelligence is where we are saying the machine is smarter than our smartest. Don’t get happy but see the future,” he said.
He urged African governments, universities and industries to invest heavily in research, innovation and home-grown technologies to avoid being left behind.
“I do not blame the Chinese. I do not blame the Americans. I blame you and I — Africans. We must be creators of AI systems. When you are using AI systems in procurement, let us create the AI systems ourselves. We as Africans will become consequential when we are creators of AI,” he said.
Mutambara challenged public procurement professionals to become catalysts for digital transformation by promoting policies that encourage local AI development and innovation.
He said procurement systems across Southern Africa could play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of locally developed technologies while strengthening regional cooperation.
Calling for greater collaboration among Southern African countries, Mutambara said no single nation had the resources or capacity to compete alone in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Instead, he urged governments to pursue coordinated regional strategies that harness the expertise of universities, research institutions and the private sector to position Africa as a contributor to, rather than merely a consumer of, the next technological revolution.
He encouraged delegates to leave the forum with a shared commitment to champion AI policy reforms within their institutions and governments saying Africa’s future competitiveness would depend on decisions made today.
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Zim Teen Innovator is Building a Waste-Sorting Machine From Scrap, and the Skills Fairs are Giving Him a Chance to Be Seen
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Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:44:54 +0000
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For years, many young Zimbabwean innovators have struggled to move beyond the prototype stage. Brilliant ideas often remain trapped in classrooms, workshops and homes because of limited funding, inadequate exposure and lack of support systems.
Platforms such as the Skills Audit and Development Skills Fair are increasingly being viewed as part of the solution.
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LUPANE — While many people see discarded plastic, old DVD players, cardboard boxes and scrap metal as rubbish, 18-year-old Blessing Chibango sees opportunity.
Standing proudly beside a machine he built largely from waste materials, the young innovator explained how his invention separates different types of waste, helping communities manage refuse more efficiently while promoting recycling and environmental protection.
His invention, which ultimately won under the STEM category, was among hundreds of innovations and practical skills displays showcased at the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development’s Skills Fair currently underway in Lupane, Matabeleland North.
For Blessing, the exhibition was more an opportunity to demonstrate how young people can contribute solutions to some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing challenges.
“I didn’t create this machine for myself,” he said. “I thought about the environment, the community and how we can keep people healthy. If we manage waste properly, we can reduce diseases like cholera and create cleaner communities.”
His waste-separating machine uses a series of mechanical arms, trays and compartments to sort different types of waste into separate containers. Built from recycled materials and salvaged components from old electronics, the prototype demonstrates how innovation can emerge even in resource-limited environments.
For years, many young Zimbabwean innovators have struggled to move beyond the prototype stage. Brilliant ideas often remain trapped in classrooms, workshops and homes because of limited funding, inadequate exposure and lack of support systems.
Platforms such as the Skills Audit and Development Skills Fair are increasingly being viewed as part of the solution.
The fair, which brings together students, artisans, innovators, vocational trainees and entrepreneurs from across the province, seeks to identify, nurture and showcase skills that can drive economic growth and industrial development.
It forms part of the broader national skills development agenda spearheaded by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, which aims to map, recognise and harness the talents across the country.
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places significant emphasis on human capital development, innovation, industrialisation and the creation of a knowledge-based economy.
Under NDS2, skills development is viewed as a critical pillar for accelerating economic transformation and preparing Zimbabwe’s workforce for the demands of a modern economy.
The Skills Audit Policy, meanwhile, seeks to identify competencies across different sectors and ensure that talent is linked to opportunities for growth, employment and enterprise development.
For young people like Blessing, these policies are beginning to translate into tangible opportunities.
His innovation addresses multiple national priorities at once: environmental management, public health, recycling, technological innovation and job creation.
Beyond separating waste, he believes the technology could be adapted for agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors where sorting and grading materials is an important part of production processes.
“If we can improve this machine and automate it, it can help businesses and communities. It can separate waste, sort agricultural products and even assist in other industries,” he explained.
The exhibitions at Lupane State University were filled with similar stories.
Young people from schools, vocational training centres and community innovation hubs are presenting projects ranging from robotics and renewable energy solutions to agricultural technologies and digital innovations.
Together, they paint a picture of a generation eager to participate in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
Government officials have repeatedly emphasised that achieving Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, will require more than natural resources and infrastructure investment. It will depend on unlocking the country’s human capital and creating pathways for innovation to thrive.
The Skills Fair is emerging as one of those pathways.
By giving young innovators visibility, connecting them with policymakers and potential investors, and recognising practical skills that are often overlooked, the programme is helping bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
For Blessing, however, the journey is only beginning.
His immediate goal is to secure support to refine and scale his invention into a fully automated system capable of serving communities and businesses on a larger scale.
Like many young innovators before him, he understands that a prototype alone will not change the world.
But standing among fellow innovators in Lupane, he is hopeful that platforms such as the Skills Fair can provide the recognition and support needed to transform ideas into impact.
“People always talk about inventors in other countries,” he said. “But we also have innovators here in Zimbabwe. All we need is support.”
If the excitement and ingenuity on display at the Lupane Skills Fair are anything to go by, Zimbabwe may already be sitting on a generation of innovators ready to help drive the country’s journey towards Vision 2030.
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Telemedicine Initiative Expands Access to Healthcare in Zimbabwe
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Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:59:39 +0000
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The programme, driven by the government in partnership with private sector players and development organisations, uses digital platforms to connect patients with healthcare professionals
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Zimbabwe’s push to improve healthcare access is gaining momentum through a nationwide telemedicine initiative aimed at reaching underserved rural communities.
For years, many Zimbabweans in remote areas have struggled to access basic medical services due to long travel distances, high costs and limited infrastructure. The introduction of virtual hospital services is now helping to bridge that gap by bringing medical consultations closer to communities.
The programme, driven by the government in partnership with private sector players and development organisations, uses digital platforms to connect patients with healthcare professionals. Officials say the initiative is designed to improve access to timely medical advice while reducing the burden of travel for patients.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the first telemedicine virtual hospital at Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, marking a significant step toward digitising the country’s health services. A subsequent launch in Chiweshe was led by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who has been a key advocate of the programme.
The project has since expanded, with nearly 40 telemedicine centres now operational across the country. Telecommunications firm NetOne is providing network infrastructure to support virtual consultations, enabling communities to access healthcare services remotely.
In addition to digital services, the initiative is supported by community health workers, known as Vadhumeni veUtano, who conduct basic screenings such as blood pressure and blood sugar tests, helping to detect health risks early.
Officials say the integration of mobile financial services into the programme is also promoting economic inclusion by making it easier for patients to access and pay for healthcare services.
The telemedicine initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and aligns with the government’s Vision 2030 development agenda, which seeks to improve quality of life and ensure equitable access to essential services.
Authorities say the programme will continue to expand as more communities are connected, with the goal of ensuring that no Zimbabwean is left behind in accessing healthcare.
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NetOne Steers Zimbabwe’s Digital Future with Innovative Solutions
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Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:39:12 +0000
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The telecoms provider says recent product enhancements and service rollouts reflect its broader vision of strengthening Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem while delivering value to consumers, businesses and communities.
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HARARE – Zimbabwe’s state-owned mobile network operator, NetOne, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda through a series of customer-focused innovations and strategic partnerships aimed at expanding connectivity and inclusion.
The telecoms provider says recent product enhancements and service rollouts reflect its broader vision of strengthening Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem while delivering value to consumers, businesses and communities.
In a move designed to support Zimbabwe’s tourism recovery and growth, NetOne has introduced a specialised Tourist SIM card, available free of charge at major entry points, including airports. The initiative ensures that international visitors have immediate access to affordable and reliable mobile connectivity upon arrival.
The Tourist SIM remains active for 90 days and offers flexible data and voice bundles tailored to short-term stays. The company said the product aligns with the country’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” thrust by enhancing the overall visitor experience and positioning the country as a digitally accessible destination.
Industry observers note that seamless connectivity has become a critical component of modern travel, enabling navigation, digital payments, social sharing and remote work.
NetOne has also adjusted its off-peak data hours, extending the window to 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM from the previous 1:00 AM to 7:00 AM schedule. The change is intended to provide customers with greater flexibility and affordability during overnight usage.
The revised structure allows users to take advantage of faster, lower-cost data services for large downloads, system updates, streaming and other bandwidth-intensive activities, in line with shifting consumer behaviour and rising data consumption trends in Zimbabwe.
Telecommunications analysts say such pricing and scheduling adjustments are increasingly important in emerging markets, where cost-sensitive consumers rely on off-peak packages to maximise value.
Beyond product innovation, NetOne is pursuing broader structural reforms anchored in governance, transparency and technology-led growth. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment aimed at creating income-generating opportunities for young people.
Through this partnership, NetOne seeks to expand digital and financial inclusion initiatives across all ten provinces, supporting entrepreneurship and youth participation in the digital economy.
The company said the collaboration reflects its recognition of young people as key drivers of Zimbabwe’s innovation landscape and long-term economic sustainability.
Strategic Leadership and Reform
NetOne’s leadership says its strategy is grounded in accountability, transparency and integrity as it navigates a rapidly evolving telecommunications environment. By aligning governance reforms with technological advancement, the operator aims to strengthen operational efficiency while remaining responsive to customer needs.
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Massive Financial Scandal Rocks NetOne
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Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:02:44 +0000
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In what appears to be a deeply troubling tale of financial mismanagement and corruption at one of Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications companies, NetOne, shocking revelations have surfaced implicating senior executives in a series of questionable financial decisions that may have cost the company millions. At the […]
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In what appears to be a deeply troubling tale of financial mismanagement and corruption at one of Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications companies, NetOne, shocking revelations have surfaced implicating senior executives in a series of questionable financial decisions that may have cost the company millions.
At the heart of these allegations are the Group CEO, Raphael Mushanawani, and the Chief Technical Officer, Christopher Muchechemera, who are accused of orchestrating and benefiting from a series of dubious procurement deals.
Also Read: /unpacking-the-arrest-of-netone-ceo-and-the-broader-implications/
The story begins with the procurement of key telecommunications equipment that was supposed to benefit NetOne’s infrastructure. However, behind the scenes, things were far from ordinary.
In 2024, the company began exploring the idea of purchasing new microwave transmission equipment. The CTO, Muchechemera, reportedly invited a local company to conduct trials and test the equipment.
Everything seemed routine at first, until a strange twist occurred.
According to insiders, the GCEO, Mushanawani, approved a trip to Romania in early 2025, funded by a local company for senior staff to examine the technology.
The trip’s purpose and outcomes were never discussed with the Executive Committee. When the team returned, a procurement requisition for the equipment was raised—yet it was directed to a junior employee, bypassing senior procurement officials. This raised red flags among staff who questioned the lack of transparency.
The requisition eventually led to a deal worth USD 17 million, which was later negotiated down to USD 15 million. However, this deal wasn’t part of NetOne’s annual procurement plan or budget. Further complicating matters, when other vendors offered to supply the same equipment for much lower prices—USD 8 million from Tauro Panther, and USD 9 million from Satewave—the urgency to complete the deal suddenly disappeared. The reasons behind the sudden change in direction remain unclear.
One senior staff member, the Head of Supply Chain, voiced serious concerns over the deal, suggesting that the equipment was overpriced and questioning why due process wasn’t followed. However, his objections were met with anger, threats of dismissal, and allegations that he was obstructing critical projects.
Another scandal revolves around the upgrade of NetOne’s ZTE VAS platforms, which are used to handle the company’s value-added services. In August 2025, the CTO raised a requisition to upgrade the platforms, citing the need to stay updated with the latest technology. Yet again, the local company was brought into the fold, offering to provide the upgrade at a hefty cost of USD 11.7 million.
The Head of Supply Chain questioned the necessity of this upgrade, pointing out that the system had reached its end of life and could easily be replaced with a more competitive, cost-effective solution. The lack of proper planning and the absence of this upgrade in the company’s annual budget raised alarms. Despite these concerns, the project moved ahead with the local company as the preferred vendor, further fueling suspicions about the nature of these procurement decisions.
As the investigation deepens, even more troubling practices have come to light.
In addition to the equipment scandals, there was the curious case of consultancy services during the implementation of the SAP ERP system. While NetOne had already paid for the necessary consultancy services through its contract with Farevic (Pvt) Limited, the GCEO pushed for additional consultancy for USD 79,467.49. This seemed like an unnecessary duplication of services, raising questions about whether the company’s resources were being squandered.
Further adding to the concerns, the GCEO allegedly bypassed the Executive Committee to engage Lunartech Solutions for the upgrade of NetOne’s SAGE ERP system. Despite no formal resolution from the committee, this direct engagement with Lunartech resulted in a series of costly addenda, which saw the total payments exceed USD 1.2 million—far beyond the original agreement. The lack of planning and the failure to follow proper procurement processes were clear violations of standard corporate governance practices.
The impact of these actions extends far beyond the numbers on paper. Staff at NetOne have reported a toxic working environment, where questioning these deals often leads to intimidation and retaliation. The division within the company has grown, with key staff members now caught between their duty to the organisation and their moral compass. The growing culture of fear and secrecy has left many employees disillusioned and concerned for their futures.
One senior staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed how difficult it has become to trust the leadership. “It feels like there’s a wall between the executives and the rest of us. When things go wrong, it’s always the people at the bottom who have to take the fall.”
These allegations have raised more than a few eyebrows among Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulators and industry observers. With such large sums of money at stake and with accusations of financial mismanagement mounting, there is a growing call for an independent investigation into the matter. The public, along with shareholders and employees, deserves to know the full extent of what has been happening behind closed doors at NetOne.
For now, it remains unclear whether any action will be taken. But with the stakes so high—both for NetOne and for the country’s telecommunications industry—pressure is mounting for transparency and accountability
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ZESN Marks International Democracy Day with Call for Stronger Democratic Safeguards in AI Governance
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Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:12:41 +0000
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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has urged Zimbabwean authorities, political parties, civil society and citizens to take decisive steps towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that strengthens democratic institutions and protects fundamental rights, warning that without robust governance, new technologies could erode […]
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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has urged Zimbabwean authorities, political parties, civil society and citizens to take decisive steps towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that strengthens democratic institutions and protects fundamental rights, warning that without robust governance, new technologies could erode democratic spaces in the country.
In a statement marking the International Day of Democracy, ZESN said this year’s global theme — “Ensuring effective governance of AI at all levels” — presents a critical new frontier for democracy worldwide, including in Zimbabwe. The Network noted that while AI offers potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in electoral processes, it also poses serious risks of disinformation, manipulation and disenfranchisement if left unchecked.
“The future of democracy hinges on the ability to govern technology and not be governed by it,” ZESN said. “AI has the power to either amplify the voices of the people… or it can be a tool for the suppression of democratic participation.”
Zimbabwe’s civic space has increasingly come under scrutiny amid shrinking democratic freedoms, restrictive laws, and limited citizen participation. ZESN warned that if AI is deployed without clear oversight, it could further undermine public trust in elections and exacerbate existing inequalities in political participation.
The Network called for the development of strong governance frameworks rooted in transparency, accountability, inclusion, protection of rights and active citizen participation. It said algorithms that influence elections must be subjected to independent audits and oversight to ensure they are free from bias and misuse.
“Public trust in electoral processes depends on this,” ZESN said, adding that AI systems must promote inclusivity rather than create new barriers, particularly for marginalized communities such as women, youth and persons with disabilities.
ZESN also echoed the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s stance that democratic progress is incomplete if it leaves anyone behind, urging stakeholders to ensure technology serves to empower rather than exclude.
The organisation stressed that governance of AI cannot be left solely to experts or technocrats, and that citizens, political parties and civil society must be actively involved in shaping policies regulating AI.
“As the UN theme ‘From Voice to Action’ suggests, collective voices must drive the necessary reforms to ensure that AI is a tool for good,” the Network said.
Marking the 21st anniversary of the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), ZESN reiterated that safeguarding Zimbabwe’s democracy in the digital age requires more than dialogue. It urged all stakeholders to move beyond conversations about AI’s potential and take concrete action to ensure technology strengthens democratic institutions and builds a more resilient and inclusive democracy.
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Africa’s EV Moment: Driving Toward Energy Sovereignty and Industrial Growth
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Sat, 17 May 2025 13:46:33 +0000
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By Kundai Chifamba & Prechard Mhako The first Industrial Revolution gifted the world mechanisation through the steam engine, and the second gave us mass production through electricity. The third and fourth revolutions have been built on the foundations of the first two, particularly electricity. Automation […]
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By Kundai Chifamba & Prechard Mhako
The first Industrial Revolution gifted the world mechanisation through the steam engine, and the second gave us mass production through electricity. The third and fourth revolutions have been built on the foundations of the first two, particularly electricity. Automation and robotics are clearly children of the great invention called electricity, which remains inaccessible to over 600 million Africans to date.
The United States led the world through the last industrial revolution. Today, the next frontier, clean energy, is being contested by the West and increasingly by China, which now dominates nearly 60% of the global electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. But amid this global race lies a continent at a critical inflexion point: Africa. Often seen as a passive consumer in global energy systems, Africa must now seize the opportunity to become a producer of electric vehicles, clean energy, and industrial prosperity.
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Dependency
In 2023, Nigeria spent $18.7 billion on petroleum product imports. A relatively smaller country like Zimbabwe spends over $120 million per month on fuel imports, which amounts to more than $1.4 billion annually, or about a fifth of the country’s imports.
That’s money exiting the economy in exchange for a commodity Africa could begin to replace with local, renewable power. Multiply this scenario across the continent, and the scale becomes clear: Africa collectively spends an estimated $80–100 billion annually importing fossil fuels. Meanwhile, it possesses over 60% of the world’s best solar potential and vast reserves of battery-critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and manganese. Yet these advantages remain largely underleveraged.
Add to that the fragile nature of energy infrastructure—Africa is reportedly the continent with the fewest oil refineries—and it becomes clear that maintaining a fossil fuel-dependent transport model is both economically and strategically unsustainable. In an era of rising climate risk, currency volatility, and global supply chain fragmentation, energy sovereignty is no longer optional. It is essential.
A $90 Billion Opportunity on the Horizon
According to McKinsey, Africa’s vehicle fleet is expected to more than double by 2040, surpassing 90 million vehicles. If just 20% of these were electric by then, the continent would see demand for at least 18 million EVs, representing a market of around half a billion United States Dollars, assuming a conservative average vehicle cost of $25,000. In the shorter term, localising even 20% worth of EV-related value through assembly, battery integration, and public transit electrification over the next 10–15 years is a realistic and high-impact target that would translate into at least $100 billion in value creation.
Some of this is already underway. In Kenya, startups like Roam (formerly Opibus) are deploying electric buses and motorcycles explicitly designed for African terrain and cost constraints. In Zimbabwe, Mobility for Africa is rolling out electric scooter rentals to support rural economies. Rwanda and Uganda are rolling out e-mobility platforms for taxis and last-mile logistics. South Africa is drafting a policy to attract EV manufacturing investments. Whilst all these activities show intent, they have not yet reached critical mass to make the desired impact. Also, momentum remains fragmented, underfunded, and policy-agnostic across most of the continent.
EVs for the 99%, Not the 1%
Africa’s EV revolution will not be driven by luxury SUVs. It will be built on sub-$25,000 vehicles—affordable electric tuk-tuks, utility vans, minibuses, and hybrid sedans tailored to local use cases. These vehicles must be rugged, affordable, and adaptable, able to operate on partial grids and uneven roads while minimising maintenance costs. They will power ride-hailing services in Lagos, cargo delivery in Kigali, and school transport in Bulawayo. As proof of capacity, Africa already has a plus $40 billion used car market, which is reportedly growing at a CAGR of +8%.
The operational economics are already compelling. An electric minibus operating 150–200 kilometres daily in Nairobi can save $5,000–$7,000 annually on fuel costs alone. Over five years, that’s enough to cover the cost differential between an ICE and an EV, even before factoring in maintenance savings or lower carbon emissions.
Plug-in and standard hybrids also have a critical transitional role, especially in regions with unreliable grid access. These offer low-emission transport while reducing pressure on nascent charging infrastructure. The goal is not ideological purity—it is energy resilience.
The Trade Reset: A Strategic Opening for Africa
The global trade order is being rewritten in real time. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently proposed sweeping ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on imported goods, signalling a sharp turn toward protectionism and economic decoupling. While this introduces volatility, it also creates a strategic window for Africa. As the U.S., EU, and their allies seek to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, Africa can reposition itself as a preferred partner in the global clean energy economy, from extraction to production to trade.
This goes beyond mining. Countries that seize this moment—by formalising beneficiation policies, aligning with AfCFTA protocols, and negotiating industrial partnerships—can become embedded in the next-generation EV value chains, not merely as raw material exporters but as hubs of energy technology, mobility manufacturing, and sustainable growth.
Policy Must Lead
Governments must recognise that Africa’s electric vehicle transition cannot be left to market forces alone. It requires deliberate, coordinated policy to catalyse demand, de-risk private investment, and align industrial incentives. First, EVs and battery components should be exempt from import duties to reduce upfront costs and stimulate adoption.
Public procurement can be a powerful tool—governments should prioritise electrifying city buses, municipal fleets, and public service vehicles to create anchor demand and signal long-term commitment. Additionally, investor-friendly incentives such as tax holidays, land grants, and low-interest financing can help establish domestic EV assembly and battery recycling hubs. Policies that mandate local content or mineral beneficiation in exchange for mining licenses should support these industrial zones.
Integrating EVs into national energy plans, including standardising charging infrastructure and expanding solar mini-grids to support off-grid mobility, is just as important. Critically, all of this must be done under a unified strategy that connects energy, mining, transportation, and manufacturing into a single vision that builds resilience, creates jobs, and advances long-term energy sovereignty.
Regional coordination is equally vital. The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which connects the electricity grids of 12 SADC countries, presents a ready-made backbone for powering electric mobility across borders. While the region lacks adequate pipeline infrastructure—for instance, no petroleum pipeline connects Angola’s vast oil reserves to landlocked SADC countries—electricity can flow more easily across borders via the SAPP. This represents a strategic opportunity to build a shared electric future rather than doubling down on fragmented fossil infrastructure.
Moreover, in cities like Harare, which has seen, by some estimates, 30% of households adopting rooftop solar systems due to chronic grid unreliability, there is now excess daytime power generation going unused. With the right policy frameworks and bi-directional charging technologies, these homes could become decentralised charging hubs for electric buses, delivery vehicles, or neighbourhood kombi service, turning a coping mechanism into a productive energy ecosystem.
Build the Chain, Not Just the Car
Africa controls 70% of global cobalt, over 50% of manganese, and growing reserves of lithium, nickel, and rare earths—minerals at the heart of the EV battery revolution. This is not to mention Africa’s immense solar radiation capacity. But today, most are exported raw with minimal value addition. That is unfortunate, and change only requires positive action.
The next logical step is localising EV supply chains, from mineral processing to cell production to basic battery assembly. This creates jobs, builds skills, and strengthens fiscal capacity. With the right beneficiation mandates and regional cooperation, countries like Zimbabwe and the DRC could become net exporters of clean energy and clean transport.
What’s in it for the developed economies?
For Global Manufacturing, engaging Africa in the EV transition isn’t just about benevolence—it’s a strategic imperative. First, securing reliable access to critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements is now a matter of national security, while ensuring some value addition is necessary. These resources power not just electric vehicles, but smartphones, defence systems, and the renewable grid.
Second, Africa represents the last primary growth market for consumer vehicles and infrastructure-scale clean energy. As Western markets saturate, demand in Africa, where over 60% of the population is under 25, will shape the future of global mobility. Deeper investment in Africa will spur an African middle class that represents an even larger untapped market for global output. EV financing, fleet leasing, payment technologies, and grid integration are all domains where opportunities are still untapped.
A new industrial dawn for Africa
Africa’s EV transition is not just about mobility. It is a pathway to fiscal resilience, industrial growth, and shared prosperity. It is a chance to leapfrog into a future that is cleaner, fairer, and more economically inclusive.
But this future will not build itself. It requires clear policy, bold investment, and integrated strategy—linking energy, transport, mining, and manufacturing into one cohesive vision. If done right, Africa will not be the last to industrialise in the clean energy era. It will be the first to do it right from the start
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Zoho Corp Injects $15 Million into Zimbabwe’s Digital Future
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Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:21:14 +0000
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Indian cloud software giant Zoho Corporation has announced a $15 million investment in Zimbabwe aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMES) and large organisations. The tech firm, which serves over 100 million users globally, will formally unveil the investment during […]
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Indian cloud software giant Zoho Corporation has announced a $15 million investment in Zimbabwe aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMES) and large organisations.
The tech firm, which serves over 100 million users globally, will formally unveil the investment during the inaugural Zimbabwe Digital Week 2025, taking place May 5–7 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The investment is part of Zoho’s broader strategy to empower emerging markets with affordable, innovative cloud-based business solutions. “We believe Zimbabwe offers attractive opportunities for growth and expansion,” said Andrew Bourne, Regional Head of Zoho Africa, in a statement. “Our mission is to help Zimbabwe achieve its digital transformation goals by lowering the technical barriers to entry for the SME and enterprise business community.”
Backed by the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, and organised in partnership with entities such as Smart Africa, Afreximbank, and Loita Business, Zimbabwe Digital Week 2025 is set to spotlight the country’s ambitions to become a digitally-driven economy.
The event will bring together government, business, and global leaders to explore partnerships and digital innovation.
Zoho has been active in Zimbabwe for the past five years. The company plans to use this new investment to address local market needs, including software localisation, regulatory compliance, and deeper integration with financial systems. Bourne added that Zoho will also work closely with local public sector institutions to support national digital goals.
With more than 55 business applications covering areas such as sales, marketing, human resources, and finance, Zoho is positioning itself as a key digital partner for African enterprises. The company already serves over 500,000 paying organisations globally and employs roughly 15,000 staff worldwide.
“We are allocating resources to rapidly growing markets to empower more people and organisations,” said Bourne. “Over the next year, we aim to make Africa our No. 1 market in the Middle East and Africa region.”
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Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Benefits and Challenges
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Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:40:53 +0000
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By Gift Simau Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education globally, with countries like China integrating AI into learning and teaching. Universities are developing policies to regulate its use in education. According to Adiguzel, AI refers to machines and programs that mimic human Intelligence. Tools […]
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By Gift Simau
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education globally, with countries like China integrating AI into learning and teaching. Universities are developing policies to regulate its use in education.
According to Adiguzel, AI refers to machines and programs that mimic human Intelligence. Tools like ChatGPT are making significant strides by helping students with essay writing, grammar corrections, text summarization, and even social media content creation. As a Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT), Chat GPT learns from vast amounts of data and adapts to human thinking patterns. AI-generated content may encourage plagiarism and reduce students’ ability to develop critical thinking skills.
The Benefits of AI in Education
AI offers several advantages, especially for students whose first language is not English. Tools like Chat GPT and Grammarly can assist students in improving their grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and academic writing. AI is equipping students with 21st-century skills and helping them develop their communication skills.
The Challenges of AI in Education
Despite the advantages of AI tools in higher education, there are a lot of challenges associated with AI. One of the most significant challenges in higher education is the issue of academic integrity due to AI’s ability to write students’ assignments and essays.
There is potential for students to misuse AI tools to produce answers for their work, compromising academic honesty and ethics. Students are compromising their academic ethical responsibilities by writing assignments and other research papers solely using Artificial Intelligence.
Research by Singh (2023) found that students are using AI technology to plagiarise and cheat when writing online examinations. Academic integrity in higher education is being challenged through the overuse of AI, as most plagiarism detection software cannot detect AI usage in students’ assignments. Misusing AI can result in poor writing skills, a lack of academic preparedness, and an over-reliance on technology, which may hinder students’ ability to learn independently.
The Way Forward
To address these concerns, African universities must develop policies that guide the ethical use of AI in education. Furthermore, free courses on artificial intelligence can be offered to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Educators must also develop their skills in artificial Intelligence to be better able to demystify the role of artificial Intelligence as a supplementary learning tool in education.
One way to mitigate the risks of AI misuse is by emphasizing the ethical implications of plagiarism and requiring students to submit declarations that affirm the originality of their work. This approach could help balance the benefits of AI with the need to maintain academic integrity.
Conclusion
AI is transforming higher education by improving students’ learning, writing, and research. As universities incorporate AI