Hon. Tatenda Mavetera Joins Africa Artificial Intelligence Council

Zimbabwe has strengthened its standing as a continental digital frontrunner with the appointment of Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services (ICTPCS), to the newly formed Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council under the Smart Africa initiative.

The Africa AI Council was established by the Smart Africa Board, chaired by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, as part of Africa’s effort to take a leading role in shaping the global AI landscape.

The Board includes 42 African Heads of State, the African Union Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), alongside key private-sector and development partners.

Hon. Mavetera’s appointment comes shortly after the Cabinet, led by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, approved Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in November 2025.

This policy framework positions Zimbabwe among a select group of African nations with a structured approach to the ethical development, implementation, and governance of AI across strategic sectors.

As one of seven ICT Ministers on the Council, Hon. Mavetera’s role highlights Zimbabwe’s growing influence in shaping continental digital policy.

The Council is tasked with providing strategic guidance across six key areas Infrastructure, Data, Market, Talent, Investment, and Governance to ensure that AI advances Africa’s technological independence and socio-economic development.

Zimbabwe has also emerged as a leader in agritech within the Smart Africa framework. Under President Mnangagwa’s guidance, the country has pioneered the use of digital technologies to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and build climate resilience.

The Smart Africa Continental Agritech Blueprint, launched by the President, emphasizes agriculture as a priority sector for AI-driven innovation across the continent.

The Council’s members were selected through a competitive process overseen by Smart Africa, the African Union Commission (AUC), and ITU. From over 400 applications representing 57 countries, the final Council reflects both geographic diversity and extensive expertise in government, industry, academia, and civil society.

Hon. Mavetera’s inclusion is a recognition of her personal expertise and a testament to Zimbabwe’s national digital vision. Her participation ensures that Zimbabwe’s priorities particularly in agriculture, innovation, and inclusive growth are represented in shaping Africa’s AI future, as the continent moves toward a technology-driven transformation that benefits its people and economies.