Simunza S. Muyangana

GOVERNMENT COMPLETES DRAFTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY Government has completed drafting the Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy which is expected to guide the nation on how to harness the benefits of the latest technologies. Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati has disclosed that the AI strategy is expected to be launched in the next two months. Mr. Mutati says Artificial Intelligence has the potential to help Zambia to achieve it's ambition to start producing three million tonnes of copper annually through enhanced exploration. Speaking at a side event at the ongoing Copperbelt Agricultural Mining Industrial Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) in Kitwe, Mr. Mutati said Artificial Intelligence will bring alot of economic benefits to the country. Mr. Mutati added that AI will create alternative jobs in the economy and also fast track mineral exploration. He said with the roll out of fifth generation (5G) network, AI will now benefit the nation more as more services will now be able to be provided easily. He revealed that the Ministry will next month host an Artificial Intelligence Conference where the country will be prepared for a future with AI. Mr. Mutati says AI is here to stay and Zambians must not fear it's existence or the loss of jobs. And Acting Director for Technology and Science in the Ministry of Technology and Science Dr. Larry Mweetwa says consultation with stakeholders on the Artificial Intelligence strategy will start soon. Dr. Mweetwa says government wants to get input from the industry on how best to benefit from artificial intelligence. Dr. Mweetwa says the Ministry is in the process of training its own staff in AI.