Digital Inclusion and Gender Equity in Zimbabwe - Opportunities and Gaps

Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) identifies significant constraints within the National Statistical System, particularly at ZimStats. These include shortages of human resources, limited technical capacity, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient financial resources, hindering effective data collection and analysis.

Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe is pursuing a digital transformation agenda underpinned by a policy framework emphasizing inclusion. The National ICT Policy (2022-2027) and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2030 promote equal opportunities for all, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Guiding principles for the AI strategy include inclusivity, non-discrimination, availability, and accessibility, with an ethical framework centered on human rights, privacy, and dignity.

Achieving inclusive AI development requires participatory design, mandatory accessibility standards, gender equality measures, and gender impact assessments. The AI Strategy outlines a phased progression from capacity building to large-scale deployment. However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) notes that while connectivity has expanded, meaningful use remains uneven due to affordability, limited digital skills, and disparities in quality internet access.

The strategy's six pillars focus on talent development, infrastructure, research, and innovation. Flagship initiatives like the AI Grand Challenge and Project Pangolin aim to stimulate innovation and provide data platforms. Yet, evidence suggests these initiatives risk exacerbating rural-urban and gender divides, as meaningful digital access remains uneven across the population.