Development Literacy Institute hosts AI training for entrepreneurs

By Staff Reporter

In a bid to empower young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to drive Zimbabwe’s transition to a digital economy, the Development Literacy Institute recently hosted a month-long AI training program.

The program, which was conducted in collaboration with Zimbabwe Information and Technology Empowerment Trust (ZITET), brought together a diverse group of young entrepreneurs who were eager to learn about transformative technologies like AI, blockchain, and FinTech.

According to Nozipho Lorraine Nkau, Programme Manager at DLI, the program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage AI and other emerging technologies to create innovative products and services that address pressing local challenges.

“By leveraging AI, young entrepreneurs can create innovative products and services that address pressing local challenges, including those in agriculture, healthcare, and transportation,” said Nkau.

Nkau added that the program had successfully brought together a diverse group of young people, providing them with an opportunity to not only learn but also exchange knowledge and ideas on AI, economic development, and law.

“This exchange has proven to be a valuable platform for collaboration and networking,” said Nkau.

Nkau also highlighted the importance of integrating technology, law, and economic development, saying that experts from various fields had shared insights on the importance of these intersections.

“These contributions have deepened participants’ understanding of how these sectors intersect and the critical role they play in driving progress,” said Nkau.

Nkau concluded by saying that the program had unlocked new opportunities for young people in Zimbabwe to contribute to economic growth, enhance legal systems, and foster innovation.

“As a result, the INTELDEVLAW program has unlocked new opportunities for young people in Zimbabwe to contribute to economic growth, enhance legal systems, and foster innovation, all while preparing them for the future of a rapidly evolving world,” said Nkau.

Buhlebenkosi Sibanda who is responsible for Finance at DLI, also weighed in on the program, saying that it had delved into transformative technologies like AI, blockchain, and FinTech.

“The month-long training, hosted by the Development Literacy Institute and ZITET, delved into transformative technologies like AI, blockchain, and FinTech,” said Sibanda.

Sibanda added that participants had explored how these innovations could drive Zimbabwe’s transition to a digital economy.

“As Zimbabwe forges ahead in its journey toward a digital economy, initiatives like this training lay the foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring the nation remains competitive in a tech-driven world,” said Sibanda.

The Development Literacy Institute focuses on education for sustainable development, which aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS1).

The program included experts from different fields who focused on how AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies can drive sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, the training promoted innovation as participants were equipped with knowledge of Zimbabwe’s legal frameworks regulating technology globally and relevant examples were used to explain the role of emerging technologies in economic development.