Zimbabwe plans mandatory artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training for all civil servants starting next year, targeting at least 10,000 government workers annually. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the initiative during the 2026 Budget Pre-Seminar in Bulawayo, calling it essential for bridging the gap between academic qualifications and workplace demands. The program falls under the national digital transformation strategy managed by the Science and Technology cluster.
Authorities aim to modernize public sector operations through certified digital skills development, including partnerships with major technology firms. Ncube emphasized strengthening intellectual property protections to support local innovation, alongside creating formal collaboration channels between universities and industries. The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions endorsed the move, noting many employees lack current technical abilities. This effort aligns with broader national goals like training 1.5 million coders by 2028 and implementing the SMART Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan to build a knowledge-based economy.
Authorities aim to modernize public sector operations through certified digital skills development, including partnerships with major technology firms. Ncube emphasized strengthening intellectual property protections to support local innovation, alongside creating formal collaboration channels between universities and industries. The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions endorsed the move, noting many employees lack current technical abilities. This effort aligns with broader national goals like training 1.5 million coders by 2028 and implementing the SMART Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan to build a knowledge-based economy.
