Independence in the Age of AI

For many years, economic strength was measured in land, factories, roads and machinery. Those things still matter.

But in 2026, another truth is unavoidable: a modern economy is also built on networks, data systems, digital skills and trust.

A country may have ambitious businesses, talented young people and strong industrial potential, but if its digital systems are weak, insecure or outdated, then its competitiveness will also be weak.

That is why this year’s ZITF theme is more important than it may first sound. Connected economies do not become competitive by connection alone. Connection without security creates exposure.

Digitisation without skills creates dependency. Data without governance creates risk. And AI without clear purpose becomes a slogan instead of a tool.

Zimbabwe has already signalled that it understands the moment. In March, the country formally launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030, positioning AI as a driver of modernization, industrialization and inclusive development.

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The strategy points to practical application in agriculture, healthcare, mining, public service delivery and anti-corruption, while stressing that AI must be safe, secure, trustworthy and aligned with national priorities.

At ZITF this week, many companies will showcase products, equipment, services and partnerships. That is important.

But in truth, the most valuable exhibitors of the future may not only be those with the biggest machines or the brightest banners.

They may be those that can show how they are using technology to become faster, safer, smarter and more productive.

The future belongs not only to those who make things, but to those who can make, secure, analyse and improve them.

For Zimbabwean business, especially small and medium enterprises, this matters immediately.

A retailer using WhatsApp orders, a transporter receiving mobile payments, a manufacturer tracking stock digitally, a farmer using precision tools, a consultant storing client records online, and a cross-border trader relying on online platforms are all already part of the digital economy.

Whether they call it that or not, they are operating in it every day.

Zimbabwe’s own legal and policy direction reflects this reality. The Cyber and Data Protection Act was designed to increase cybersecurity and build confidence and trust in the secure use of ICTs.

That is not just legal language. It is an economic principle. Business grows where trust exists.

Customers transact where they feel safe. Investors engage where systems look credible and secure.

The broader national vision says the same thing.

The Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan places strong emphasis on secure communication networks, cybersecurity structures, awareness, capacity building and a digital transformation agenda that reaches government, agriculture, transport, health, mining, tourism and education.

 In other words, digital progress and digital security are supposed to move together.

This is where Independence becomes more than a historical commemoration.

Political independence was a defining achievement. But in this century, economic independence increasingly depends on technological capability.

A nation that only consumes foreign technologies without building its own skills, standards, safeguards and innovation culture will remain digitally dependent even while politically sovereign.

That is why AI should be discussed carefully and practically. It is easy to be dazzled by headlines about automation, chatbots and smart systems.

But the real national question is simpler: how can Zimbabwe use AI to solve Zimbabwean problems?

How can it help farmers make better planting decisions, help clinics predict pressure points, help mines improve safety, help manufacturers cut waste, help public offices reduce delays, and help small businesses become more efficient?

Used properly, AI can widen opportunity. Used carelessly, it can widen inequality, bias and vulnerability.

The same applies to exhibitors and entrepreneurs at ZITF. The conversation should no longer be just, “What are you selling?”

 It should also be, “What systems protect your business? What skills are you building? How are you using data?

Are you preparing your workforce for AI? Can customers trust your digital processes?” These are no longer questions for the future. They are questions for now.

For young Zimbabweans, this week should also carry a message. The exhibition grounds are not only a marketplace for goods.

They are a map of where the economy is going. The next generation of opportunity will not be created by consumption alone.

It will be created by people who can code, analyse, secure networks, design systems, build platforms, apply AI responsibly and turn local problems into scalable solutions. Zimbabwe does not need to fear this moment. It needs to organise for it.

In the age of AI, a country does not prove its readiness with speeches alone. It proves it with secure systems, skilled people, trusted institutions and businesses that are ready not just to exhibit, but to compete.

• Wilfred Munyaradzi Kahlari is a cybersecurity expert, software developer and consultant at Kingwil Consultants. For feedback: wil@kingwilconsultants.co.zw | +263 772 212 796