Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful cross-cutting tool capable of accelerating development and improving lives across industries, regardless of geography or background, says Zimbabwean development expert Malon Murape.
Murape, a digital media practitioner and founder of Malante Multimedia Development Africa Trust (MMDA), believes AI offers a level playing field for innovation and growth if properly understood and applied.
“AI is not a replacement for human beings—it is a tool that amplifies human potential. The greatest opportunity lies in combining human creativity with AI efficiency,” he said.
Founded in 2020, MMDA focuses on equipping youth and women with practical digital and multimedia skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Murape said organisations must now move beyond viewing AI as a trend and begin integrating it into everyday systems.
“As an organisation working at the intersection of digital skills and development communication, we see AI as an enabler of productivity, innovation, and access,” he said.
He emphasised that unlocking AI’s benefits requires deliberate focus on digital literacy and responsible use. “Everyone must understand how AI tools work—from content creation to data analysis and communication—and how to use them responsibly.”
Murape stressed that while AI enhances efficiency, it cannot replace human originality, storytelling, or cultural context. “Human beings must focus on areas where emotional intelligence, creativity, and local relevance are critical,” he said.
He added that integrating AI into daily workflows—whether in education, business, or development—can significantly improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing communication, and supporting better decision-making.
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At MMDA, tools such as ChatGPT and Canva are already being incorporated into training programmes to ensure communities keep pace with technological change.
Murape also called on both private and public institutions to invest in digital skills development, noting that the real gap is no longer access to technology, but the ability to use it effectively. “Training in AI-assisted marketing, digital tools, and data-driven decision-making is now essential,” he said.
He urged organisations to rethink communication strategies in a digital-first economy. “Visibility is everything. AI-powered tools can help organisations create content faster, analyse audiences, and improve engagement—especially for NGOs that rely on storytelling to drive impact.”
Despite AI’s advantages, Murape underscored the need for a human-centred approach. “Trust, relationships, and authenticity remain critical—particularly in African markets where community and relatability matter,” he said.
He further highlighted collaboration as key, encouraging partnerships between the private sector, NGOs, and academic institutions to bridge skills gaps and scale impact.
Murape identified young people as the biggest beneficiaries of the AI revolution, particularly in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy. “Opportunity favours those who are prepared,” he said, pointing to opportunities in content creation, digital marketing, freelancing, and AI-assisted entrepreneurship.
“Today, young people can use digital platforms to earn globally—through graphic design, video editing, copywriting, and virtual assistance,” he noted. He added that AI also enables innovation in solving local challenges across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and governance.
Research conducted by MMDA shows that when youth are equipped with practical digital skills, they are better positioned to access jobs, build businesses, and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Through its programmes, the organisation continues to train young people, entrepreneurs, and institutions to harness digital tools for visibility, income generation, and innovation—helping them thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
