HARARE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched the country's five-year national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, to drive socio-economic growth and modernization.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Mnangagwa said the strategy, running from 2026-2030, should help to unleash Zimbabwe's full potential in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, mining, healthcare, finance and education.

"The strategy is a declaration of our collective readiness for the transformative impact of AI," Mnangagwa said. "It is a bold response to the disruptive effects of the ever-evolving technological era," he added.

He called for increased investments in the country's digital infrastructure, noting that Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring that the use of AI is human-centric, transparent and free from bias. "The protection of our national interests as well as the dignity of all Zimbabweans, remains central to the legal parameters we are putting in place."

The president commended the increasing development of homegrown AI-powered solutions to address local challenges.

Mnangagwa also urged parliament to expedite the development of legislation that will guarantee online safety and the protection of children and minors against the harmful effects of social media and digital platforms.

"We must work together to ensure that the benefits of AI impact every village, ward, district, town and city. This new age of AI shall equally be conquered and leveraged to quicken socio-economic growth and a higher standard of living for our people," he added. ■