Skills Audit and Development minister Paul Mavima has urged people to seize the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI), saying it is a powerful tool for economic growth.
There are fears that the rise of AI will lead to machines and robots taking over jobs.
Speaking during a conference recently hosted by Vision 2030 Movement, Mavima emphasised the need to embrace AI and warned against the consequences of falling behind.
“The market for developers of digital platforms is boundless. AI will not replace our jobs, but instead, we can leverage on these skills to provide services to other countries and generate income for ourselves,” he said.
Mavima challenged the misconception that AI poses a threat to employment, and instead framed it as a tool for empowerment and economic growth.
“We should adopt and take advantage of AI otherwise we will perish. Let’s not be afraid of innovating around our production systems,” he said.
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“So long as we don’t innovate, we will continue to buy things from China and outside the country. We will continue to sell our raw materials in China, which, in return, gives us very little value other than innovating and building our own nation.”
He also raised concern over the increasing trend where young graduates are leaving the country to pursue careers as nurse aides in developed nations.
Zimbabwe has lost hundreds of thousands of skilled workers due to limited job opportunities in the country especially for young people holding degrees.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country’s national unemployment rate is 21% and the rate is higher among youths.
It said the national unemployment (expanded) rate stood at 47,8% from 46%, with “unemployment ... more pronounced in females (23,7%) compared to males (19%”.