UNESCO in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of ICT Postal and courier services, had a two day workshop which started on Wednesday aimed towards the adoption of responsible AI development and launch of the AI Ethics RAM (Readiness Assessment Methodology) Report at Monomutapa in Harare.

The workshop intended to validate the Zimbabwe AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and this methodology serves as a guide for ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly, aligning with national values and addressing critical areas such as gender, environment, and communication as well as the collective efforts of all in shaping an ethical AI future for Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the workshop, the Director of the Office and UNESCO Representative, was eager to share her insights on the positive trends emerging in the realm of AI Ms Nisha said: “The advancements in AI present us with incredible opportunities, but they also come with significant responsibilities. It is essential that we pursue ethical AI that prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.”

She outlined the seven key trends that would shape the future of AI in Zimbabwe and these include Fairness and Inclusivity, Transparency, Accountability, Privacy and Data Protection, Safety and Security, Regulatory Frameworks and Continuous Monitoring and Stakeholder Engagement.

However, despite the promising prospects of AI, they also discussed crucial inherent risks associated with these technologies. UN Resident Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon also said: “As transformative as these technologies are, there are many risks, associated with them, both inherent and overt, that cannot be overlooked.”

To ensure ethical compliance in the development and application of AI systems, both in the public and private sectors, countries must prioritize robust governance frameworks. The UN Resident Coordinator stressed the importance of “mutual commitment and learning based on lessons and good practices emerging from different authorities around the world.” This approach was said to be essential for addressing the complexities and ethical dilemmas posed by AI.

The Government of Zimbabwe has already taken major steps to prepare for the ethical deployment of AI systems across various sectors. Zimbabwe’s participation in a six-country pilot program in Southern Africa, which includes nations like Botswana, Malawi, and Mozambique, positions it uniquely to tackle the challenges posed by AI.