AI for social good: how Zimbabwean innovators are using AI to solve local problems

In the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is writing a tech narrative that’s as gripping as it is transformative.

 In a landscape marred by persistent challenges—poverty, unemployment, inequality, corruption, and climate change—a cadre of innovators is rewriting the story using artificial intelligence (AI). This isn’t just about bits and bytes; it’s about using cutting-edge tech to tackle real-world issues. So, buckle up for a journey into the heart of Zimbabwe’s AI frontier, where the digital and the tangible converge.

Let’s talk numbers. Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate is staggering at 462 deaths per 100,000 live births. Enter Wanano, a startup armed with an AI-powered mobile app that’s not just an app—it’s a lifeline for expectant mothers. Beyond being a virtual guide to antenatal and postnatal care, this app connects pregnant women directly to health professionals and emergency services.

What’s the secret sauce? AI. Wanano doesn’t just throw information at users; it crunches data, offering personalized insights and recommendations to improve maternal health outcomes. It’s not just a healthcare app; it’s a data-driven guardian angel for soon-to-be mothers.

Now, let’s shift gears to education, where Zimbabwe faces a dual challenge—accessibility and quality. Muzinda Hub, the local NGO playing the education maverick, has unleashed an AI-based online platform that’s not just a platform—it’s a digital disruptor in the classroom.

Picture this: Free, interactive courses in math, science, and English, beamed straight to students, especially in rural areas where qualified teachers are as rare as a unicorn. The magic? AI tailors content and difficulty levels to individual student needs. It’s not just an online school; it’s a personalized learning experience, a digital revolution in Zimbabwe’s classrooms.

Now, let’s pivot to the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy—agriculture. Precision Agriculture for Development (PAD) isn’t just a company; it’s an AI-powered savior for the nation’s 300,000 smallholder farmers. Think of it as personalized agriculture advice delivered via SMS. It’s not just a text message; it’s a lifeline for farmers facing climate change, pests, diseases, and market volatility.

The secret? AI, of course. PAD’s AI crunches data from farmers and other sources, tailoring advice on crop management, weather forecasts, pest control, and market prices. It’s not just an SMS; it’s precision agriculture in the palm of a farmer’s hand.

In the realm of governance, Zimbabwe battles a familiar foe—corruption. ZimFact isn’t just a fact-checking platform; it’s an AI-driven truth-seeker in a world of misinformation. Imagine an AI-powered guardian scrutinizing the statements of politicians, media outlets, and public officials. It’s not just fact-checking; it’s a tech-driven pillar of transparent governance.

How does it work? AI scans and analyzes sources, data, and evidence, providing ratings and explanations for claims. It’s not just a fact-checker; it’s an AI-powered guardian of the truth in a world often clouded by misinformation.

Now, let’s zoom out. Zimbabwe isn’t in an AI arms race with global giants like the U.S., China, or the EU—yet. It faces challenges—data scarcity, infrastructure gaps, skill shortages, and regulatory puzzles. But hold on, it’s not just about challenges; it’s about strengths too.

Stable governance, a strategic location, and a youthful, innovative population are the aces up Zimbabwe’s sleeve. Multinational companies and investors have taken notice. It’s not just potential; it’s a unique set of strengths that could propel Zimbabwe into the AI limelight.

The road ahead isn’t a solo journey. Zimbabwe needs a symphony of efforts—a collaboration between government, academia, industry, civil society, and the public. Data scarcity? Let’s address it collaboratively. Infrastructure gaps? Let’s build it together. Regulation challenges? Let’s craft policies that foster responsible AI development.

Yes, global AI leaders might be light-years ahead, but Zimbabwe has a different game plan. It’s not just about catching up; it’s about carving a unique niche. The journey involves more than tech—it’s about education, inclusivity, and responsible AI practices.

In wrapping up our expedition through Zimbabwe’s AI landscape, we’ve witnessed more than technological innovation. Wanano, Muzinda Hub, PAD, and ZimFact are not just entities; they’re pioneers reshaping the nation’s future. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. Zimbabwe’s unique strengths coupled with collaborative efforts can catapult it into the AI arena. It’s not just a possibility; it’s a potential reality waiting to unfold. So, as Zimbabwe navigates the tech waters, it’s not just about AI—it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities, rewriting narratives, and paving the way for a digital renaissance in the heart of Southern Africa. Buckle up, Zimbabwe; the AI odyssey has just begun.

Wadzanai Chihombori-Ndlovu is the Monitoring and Reporting Officer Gender Standing Group Internet Society Global