In a world increasingly shaped by technology and data, the time for Zimbabwe to embrace a digitally intelligent Parliament is now. Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, has once again demonstrated transformative leadership by championing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart digital systems into the legislative process. His proactive stance not only speaks to modernisation but to a broader national renaissance grounded in efficiency, transparency, and inclusive development.
At the recently concluded regional and international forums, Speaker Mudenda’s message was consistent and visionary: if parliaments are to remain relevant and people-centered, they must evolve. His calls for the implementation of intelligent digital systems, powered by AI, are not abstract ideals, but urgent necessities that align with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of innovation, youth inclusion, and economic re-industrialisation.
The Speaker’s clarity of thought on citizen-centric reforms is refreshing. He is not simply advocating for shiny new technologies. Instead, he is promoting tools that empower citizens to meaningfully participate in governance. Imagine a Parliament where public submissions are processed in real time, committee reports are auto-analysed for trends, and legislative feedback loops are shortened dramatically, all driven by digital infrastructure. That is the future the Speaker envisions, and it is both achievable and necessary.
Moreover, Mudenda’s vision is grounded in Pan-African ideals. By encouraging regional parliamentary integration and knowledge-sharing on smart governance, he places Zimbabwe at the heart of continental progress. His admiration for Rwanda’s digitisation model and his desire for Zimbabwe to walk a similar path prove that this is not about competition, but collective growth.
To realise this dream, political will must be matched with institutional readiness and national buy-in. The executive, civic society, private sector, and international partners must rally behind Parliament’s digital transformation. This is not just about gadgets or data, it’s about restoring confidence in governance, attracting digital-savvy youth to policymaking, and building a resilient, forward-looking nation.
Critics may argue that Zimbabwe has more urgent challenges, but it is precisely because of these challenges that smart reforms are needed. Speaker Mudenda’s leadership offers a roadmap for national efficiency in an era of complexity. By embracing AI-driven governance, Zimbabwe positions itself not just to catch up, but to lead.
Let us support the vision. Let us build a smarter Parliament for a stronger Zimbabwe.
