Zimbabwe has taken a major step towards becoming a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in Africa. The country has officially launched the National Centre of Excellence for Computational Intelligence (NCECI) at the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in Masvingo.
The NCECI Is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, GZU, and the University of Zimbabwe. The center aims to promote research, innovation, and education in AI and related fields, such as machine learning, big data, robotics, and computer vision.
The center will also provide training and mentorship to students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who want to pursue careers or start businesses in AI. The center will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in AI and data science, as well as short courses and workshops for professionals and the public.
The launch of the NCECI was officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who praised the initiative as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and economic development. He said that AI and data science are key drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and that Zimbabwe needs to harness their potential to solve its social and economic challenges.
He also said that the NCECI will help Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030, which aims to make the country an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. He urged the center to collaborate with other local and international institutions, as well as the private sector, to create innovative solutions and products that can benefit the nation and the continent.
The NCECI Is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe and one of the few in Africa. It is expected to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for AI and data science, and to contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Africa. The center will also foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving among Zimbabweans, especially the youth, who are the future of the country.
The NCECI is a sign of hope and optimism for Zimbabwe, which has been facing various challenges, such as political instability, economic crisis, and climate change. The center shows that Zimbabwe is committed to investing in its human capital and embracing the opportunities of the digital age. The center also demonstrates that Zimbabwe is not only a consumer, but also a producer, of knowledge and innovation.
Source: The Herald
