AI key to achieving Vision 2030’s sustainable urban development goals

STABILE NYONI

 Zimbabwe has been urged to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban planning and public administration to drive the country’s transition toward smart, sustainable cities by 2030.

Speaking at the Annual Zimbabwe Infrastructure Summit and Awards held in Nyanga this week, Engineer Tsitsi Laiza Hweju, Director of Works and Estates at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), said AI is now the backbone of urban innovation, a tool capable of transforming how local authorities manage infrastructure, deliver services, and engage citizens.

“AI is not just about technology; it’s about governance, sustainability, and inclusivity,” Engineer Hweju said in her presentation, “AI Powering Innovations Towards Smart Cities by 2030.” “Local governments that embrace AI will be better equipped to serve citizens efficiently, manage resources wisely, and prepare for the future.”

Engineer Hweju said AI is revolutionising global service delivery, and Zimbabwe must not be left behind. Through real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent infrastructure planning, cities can shift from reactive to proactive management.

“AI enables us to anticipate challenges before they become crises,” she noted. “With real-time data analytics, we can detect leaks, monitor energy demand, and allocate resources more effectively.”

She added that smart grid optimisation, renewable energy integration, and demand forecasting are key to building sustainable urban systems, essential for powering Zimbabwe’s future infrastructure framework.

Water resource management is a critical challenge for many municipalities. AI can help local authorities detect leaks, monitor pressure and flow, and analyse consumption patterns to prevent losses.

Predictive analytics can also improve flood and drought preparedness, which is vital as the country faces the effects of climate change.

“These solutions are not just about technology; they’re about protecting livelihoods,” Engineer Hweju said. “AI ensures every litre of water is accounted for and every community is better prepared for environmental change.”

AI is also reshaping public safety and security through drone technology, smart cameras, and real-time video analytics. These systems provide local authorities with immediate feedback, improving emergency response and situational awareness.

“AI-powered surveillance helps law enforcement stay one step ahead,” she said. “Safer cities are smarter cities.”

Engineer Hweju said by 2030, AI will be woven into Zimbabwe’s urban fabric — influencing transport systems, waste management, and communication networks.

“The smart city agenda aligns directly with Vision 2030,” she emphasised. “Integrating AI into governance strengthens our ability to deliver on the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and create inclusive, sustainable cities.”

In his remarks, Global Renaissance Investment CEO Ngoni Dzirutwe, whose organisation hosted the summit, said AI is the missing link between infrastructure and intelligence.

“As a nation, we must invest in systems that think, learn, and adapt systems that make our infrastructure not just functional, but futuristic,” Dzirutwe said.

He added that AI presents opportunities for public-private partnerships in data-driven urban planning, energy management, and public safety — all crucial for Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in a rapidly digitising world.

“Zimbabwe cannot afford to be left behind in this global digital transformation,” he said. “AI offers us a competitive edge. It allows our cities to grow sustainably, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for every citizen.”

The Government has already taken steps toward digital transformation through initiatives such as the Smart City Blueprint under the Ministry of Local Government, the Digital Economy Framework led by the Ministry of ICT, and infrastructure modernisation projects like Beitbridge Border Post’s automation, smart traffic systems in Harare, and ZESA’s prepaid smart metering rollout.

In addition, the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is developing data platforms for real-time monitoring of land use and urban development — tools that align with the country’s broader smart city ambitions.

Speakers at the summit agreed that while progress is being made, a stronger national commitment to digital infrastructure investment, AI policy development, and education in emerging technologies will be key to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s cities evolve into intelligent, resilient ecosystems.

“AI is not a distant dream. It’s the foundation of how we must build and manage our cities today,” Engineer Hweju said.