Zimbabwe Unveils Plans for AI-Ready Data Center and Industrial Tech Park

The government of Zimbabwe has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art data center and industrial technology park, signaling a major step in the nation’s digital transformation agenda. The announcement was made by Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, following discussions with Roy Chimanikire, CEO of Econet Wireless.

The new data center will feature expanded power generation capacity to support energy-intensive computing, a critical requirement for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the country. Zimbabwe is also set to launch a national AI strategy this month, aimed at revolutionizing key sectors including banking, finance, and industrial production.

The government has simultaneously implemented measures to reduce the cost of doing business, which is expected to make data and voice services more accessible and affordable for both businesses and consumers.

Minister Mavetera emphasized the project’s potential impact, stating, “If successful, this initiative could position Zimbabwe as a key player in the regional digital economy,” highlighting the central role of digital infrastructure in driving economic grow th and the government’s commitment to private sector-led development.

This initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s broader push to leverage technology for economic competitiveness, innovation, and regional integration in the digital economy.