Zimbabwe Urged to Embrace AI as Foundational Pillar for Economic Growth
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Zimbabwe is no longer a matter of choice but a fundamental necessity for future economic prosperity. This urgent call comes from Kudakwashe Taruberekera, CEO of Craft Properties Holdings, who recently attended the Global AI Show 2025 in Abu Dhabi and engaged in high-level discussions at platforms like the Dubai Future Forum. These experiences, he states, provided him with a clear vision of what he describes as “the next industrial revolution.”
Taruberekera, accompanied by his wife Yeukai, a director at Craft Properties Holdings, expressed his profound hope that his observations and insights from these global gatherings will not only shift mindsets but also galvanize AI consciousness and widespread adoption across both Zimbabwe’s public and private sectors.
AI: From Support Tool to Economic Bedrock
Reflecting on his exposure to cutting-edge AI developments, Taruberekera emphasized a critical realization: AI has transcended its role as a mere support tool. “AI is no longer an extra. It is now the foundation,” he declared. He vividly described AI as a “digital teammate”—an intelligent, proactive system capable of processing and analyzing vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds. This capability, he explained, is crucial for bolstering accurate decision-making across a spectrum of vital sectors, including property development, finance, and engineering.
For Craft Properties, the implications of AI are transformative. The technology can meticulously analyze the optimal timing for land acquisition, recommend the most cost-effective building materials, and effectively eliminate the inherent guesswork that has long characterized traditional property development models.
Powering a 24-Hour Economy
Furthermore, Taruberekera highlighted AI’s pivotal role in enabling a round-the-clock economy, a concept that resonates with the Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s vision for continuous economic activity. “AI does not tire. It serves clients across time zones 24/7, making a 24-hour economy not just possible, but practical,” Taruberekera asserted.
Craft Properties is actively transitioning from conventional development methodologies to what Taruberekera terms an “Intelligent Development Model.” By integrating AI, the company aims to:
- Manage Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Achieve greater project oversight without necessitating an expansion of the existing team.
- Enhance Efficiency and Accuracy: Streamline construction processes, leading to improved outcomes and reduced errors.
- Boost Safety Standards: Implement AI-driven safety protocols to minimize risks on construction sites.
- Achieve Global Competitiveness: Stand on par with international firms operating in sophisticated markets such as Dubai and London.
“AI allows us to offer the same data-backed security and predictability expected in first-world markets,” Taruberekera stated, underscoring the competitive advantage AI integration provides.
Revolutionizing Real Estate with AI
Taruberekera outlined several key areas where AI can revolutionize Zimbabwe’s real estate industry:
- Smart Land Use Planning: Leveraging satellite imagery, soil analysis, demographic data, and urban growth patterns to accurately predict future high-value suburban development zones.
- Virtual Site Visits: Enabling Zimbabweans in the diaspora to conduct remote property tours using AI-driven virtual reality technology, bridging geographical distances.
- Early Warning Maintenance Systems: Deploying AI sensors to detect potential faults, such as water leaks or electrical hazards, before they escalate into costly disasters.
“These technologies build trust, improve safety, and close deals faster,” he added.
Learning from the UAE’s Proactive Future-Building
Beyond the technical applications, Taruberekera drew a significant lesson from the United Arab Emirates’ approach to the future. “Abu Dhabi and Dubai do not react to the future—they build it,” he observed. This proactive stance, he believes, is crucial for Zimbabwe’s development.
He stressed the imperative for enhanced AI literacy and urged Zimbabwe to move beyond policy discussions and into practical implementation, aligning with the Education 5.0 framework. “We don’t just need more builders; we need digital construction managers,” Taruberekera emphasized.
The availability of reliable electricity and robust internet infrastructure is also a critical prerequisite for AI advancement. Taruberekera identified this as an opportune moment for Zimbabwe to scale up renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to meet these demands.
The UAE’s ambition to establish an AI-powered government by 2027 serves as an inspiring model for Zimbabwe. Taruberekera was particularly impressed by how the UAE treats the private sector as a crucial development partner, rather than solely as a source of tax revenue. “They have a clear National AI Strategy that government and business follow together,” he noted.
Craft Properties’ AI Integration Roadmap
At Craft Properties, the company is charting a clear path for AI integration. Future plans include:
- Dedicated AI Budget Allocation: Setting aside specific financial resources for AI implementation and development.
- Strategic Partnerships: Forging collaborations with leading AI software providers.
- Standardized Smart Home Features: Incorporating AI-driven security and energy-saving systems as standard offerings in all future property developments.
The company is also actively exploring potential partnerships with foreign firms, although specific details remain confidential at this juncture.
Policy Reforms and Youth Empowerment
Looking ahead, Taruberekera called for significant policy reforms to foster a more conducive environment for technological advancement. These include:
- Creation of Tech-Friendly Zones: Establishing specialized areas designed to attract and support technology-driven businesses.
- Tax Incentives for AI Adoption: Providing fiscal benefits to encourage companies to invest in and implement AI solutions.
- Duty Exemptions on Technology Equipment: Reducing the cost of acquiring essential AI hardware and software.
Crucially, Taruberekera underscored the immense potential of Zimbabwe’s youth. By equipping the younger generation with the necessary AI skills, the country can position itself as a leading regional AI hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond.
“The Global AI Show simplified AI and showed that competing with the so-called first world is possible,” Taruberekera concluded. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it—and AI is how we prepare.”
