Staff Reporter
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has highlighted the critical importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in securing Zimbabwe's digital future during her keynote address at the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Symposium held at the University of Zimbabwe yesterday.
Minister Mavetera underscored Government's commitment to strengthening the nation's cybersecurity framework while embracing AI to safeguard Zimbabwe's expanding digital infrastructure.
The symposium, themed “Building Cyber Resilience through AI: Collaborative Security for a Secure Digital Future,” aimed to address the growing concerns over cyber threats and the need for robust security measures in the country's digital ecosystem.
"It is with great honour and pride that I stand before you today to officially open this National Cyber Security Symposium, part of our broader 2024 Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign," said Mavetera.
The Minister stressed that the event at the University of Zimbabwe was a key part of the Government's efforts to enhance the country's cybersecurity capabilities.
Minister Mavetera highlighted the role of cybersecurity in protecting essential services, such as financial transactions and healthcare systems, stating that these systems are critical to Zimbabwe's economic stability.
"Cybersecurity has become more critical than ever. It protects our most essential services, from financial transactions to healthcare systems, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information," she said, emphasising the growing threats posed by cybercrime.
The Minister further noted that the Government, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, remains committed to transforming Zimbabwe into a digitally-driven economy as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
She stated that digital transformation is a crucial driver for economic growth and that sectors like education, agriculture, health, and governance have already begun to see the benefits of technological advancements.
Minister Mavetera also spoke on the transformative potential of AI in predicting and mitigating cyber threats.
"AI has the potential to revolutionise our approach to cybersecurity by enhancing our ability to detect threats early, automate response measures, and secure our systems more efficiently," she said, calling for the integration of AI into national cybersecurity strategies.
The Minister also announced the launch of the University of Zimbabwe Students’ Cybersecurity Association, an initiative that her ministry fully supports.
She emphasised the importance of fostering innovation and research among students and young professionals to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity posture.
"The Government alone cannot secure Zimbabwe’s cyberspace. We need all stakeholders, from individual citizens to corporate leaders and educational institutions, to join forces and contribute their expertise, resources, and time toward building a safe and resilient digital environment," Minister Mavetera added.
She also pointed out that the Government is actively working to create an enabling environment for AI use, supported by the Cyber and Data Protection Act and the forthcoming National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
These legal frameworks, she explained, will ensure the safe deployment of disruptive technologies, such as AI in Zimbabwe, while urging academia and other stakeholders to provide input on how to regulate AI effectively.
The symposium marks a significant step in Zimbabwe’s journey towards building a secure and resilient digital infrastructure.
As Zimbabwe navigates the complexities of digital transformation, the collaboration between Government, academia, and industry remains vital for ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the nation.
