AS leaders, will we be able to keep with the speed of artificial intelligence (AI)?

What should we do to keep relevant?

As Africa, are we part of the creative revolution or are we just a consuming client?

I (JN) had to engage Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara (AM) at the recently held 2026 Annual Conference organised by the Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe (IAZ) and hosted at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

The theme for the conference was AI in Architecture: The Next Generation of Design Practice | NDS2 & Infrastructure Development and Prof Mutambara was one of the speakers.

Professor Mutambara is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

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He is currently the director and full professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa.

He is a world-renowned roboticist, academic, author, Pan-Africanist and technology strategist.

JN: In what ways is AI feeding into every sector? I understand it as a general-purpose technology that affects all industries. Why is it causing such a revolution?

AM: AI is an invention that enables other inventions to take place.

It is transformative because of four things: it multiplies productivity, drives efficiency, reduces costs and fosters innovation.

If we can achieve those four in agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, that is how AI brings about a revolution.

Its nature lies in its ability to drive productivity, enhance efficiency, allow innovation, and reduce costs.

JN: How then can AI be harnessed to promote human sustainability?

AM: We must understand that if we are not careful, AI will widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, increasing global inequality. So we must consciously ask: how can AI improve the quality of life for all people?

A good starting point is the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals — hunger, poverty, healthcare, education, gender equality, industry etc.

If we leverage AI to achieve these, we ensure it empowers everyone and creates prosperity.

We cannot leave this to Silicon Valley, America, or Europe.

Africans must urgently ask: what are our problems, and how do we use AI to solve them?

More importantly, we must not only consume AI, but also create AI systems.

We must participate in the five layers: energy, chips, infrastructure, large language models and applications.

Without involvement in these, we will not reap maximum benefits.

Energy is key — one AI data centre requires about two gigawatts, equivalent to Zimbabwe’s entire energy demand.

So we must strengthen energy, infrastructure, connectivity, bandwidth and access to devices.

We must democratise and decolonise AI, addressing data sovereignty and digital imperialism.

JN: How then does a leader — a CEO or a president — use AI?

AM: Awareness is the starting point.

Leaders must understand the power and efficacy of AI.

This revolution is comparable to the discovery of fire, the wheel, the steam engine and electricity.

Once they grasp this, they must ask: how do I enable adoption in my company or country?

What vision, strategy, and implementation framework do I need?

Leaders must empower those below them to embrace AI and learn from others — Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa and beyond.

But they must also understand the dangers of AI, mitigate risks and establish governance, laws, and cadres to ensure responsible adoption.

National leaders must recognise that AI is about scale. Zimbabwe alone is too small.

Success lies in regional integration — Sadc, ECOWAS, East Africa, Maghreb, and ultimately Africa as a whole.

With 1,4 billion people and a US$3,1 trillion GDP, Africa can leverage its minerals and resources against global powers.

JN: Can you give us one good example of AI’s impact on GDP?

AM: Global GDP this year is about US$110 trillion.

Ten percent — US$11 trillion-will come from AI.

Generative AI alone will contribute US$4 trillion.

If you include the broader ecosystem — big data, blockchain, nanotechnology, cryptocurrency, quantum computing- the figure rises to 30%–40% of global GDP.

But Africa is not benefiting.

The danger is techno-feudalism, where Africa becomes a victim.

That is why Africa must urgently create, own and democratise AI, deliberately using it to address hunger, poverty, education, healthcare, gender and industry.

JN: In your talk, you mentioned China introducing AI education at age six. How should Africa respond?

AM: AI is mandatory for six-year-olds in China. We must do the same.

Introduce AI in primary schools and ensure every university student, regardless of discipline, takes courses in AI, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and digital skills.

We must shift from certificates to demonstrable skills and competencies.

Continuous education and re-skilling are vital because AI has shortened the half-life of skills to just two years.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, and imagination are essential.

JN: Finally, what motivation would you give to a leader and a young girl in Binga?

AM: AI is an equal-opportunity technology.

For the girl in Binga, what she needs is connectivity, energy, and a device.

With these, she can access knowledge from MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology], Harvard, Japan, and China right from her village.

For the leader, the responsibility is to provide infrastructure- digital, energy, and devices.

The young person must then embrace AI and rise to the same level as peers in New York or Tokyo.

This is Africa’s revolution.

Just as we leapfrogged with mobile telephony and mobile banking- EcoCash, M-Pesa, we can leapfrog with AI.

Collective success matters more than individual success.

The dignity of Africa is tied to the dignity of every African.

We must seize this moment to use AI as an equaliser and enabler of African economies, Zimbabwe in particular.
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