President Mnangagwa Meets UNESCO Director- General to Deepen Ties in Education and Culture

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay’s meeting with  President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House today has brought to the forefront an unprecedented emphasis on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) in African education systems.

This angle, rarely explored in previous diplomatic engagements, positions Zimbabwe as a potential pioneer in integrating ethical AI frameworks into its educational curriculum, a move that could reshape the continent’s approach to technology-driven learning.

Azoulay, during her first official visit to Zimbabwe, discussed with Mnangagwa the integration of AI ethics into the national education strategy, a topic that has gained traction globally but remains underexplored in the African context.

“AI holds transformative potential for education, but without a robust ethical framework, we risk exacerbating inequalities rather than addressing them,” Azoulay said.

This focus on AI ethics is particularly significant given Zimbabwe’s historical challenges with educational access and quality, compounded by economic constraints.

The discussions also touched upon UNESCO’s broader commitments to Zimbabwe, including poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS prevention, and expanding access to information and communication technologies.

However, the AI ethics angle represents a novel departure, aligning with Azoulay’s vision articulated in 2019 when she initiated a global framework on AI ethics.

“It’s not just about technology; it’s about ensuring that technology serves humanity, especially in regions where educational resources are scarce,” President  Mnangagwa said.

This meeting also coincides with Azoulay’s itinerary to visit heritage sites like Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, and her attendance at the Cop 15 meeting on wetlands, indicating a holistic approach to Zimbabwe’s developmental challenges.

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