Harare – Zimbabwe’s Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has handed over the country’s National AI Strategy 2026 to 2030 to Russian Federation Ambassador Nikolai and graduated 72 cybersecurity professionals from its free Cyber Security PRO national training programme.
The two events took place on the same day, with Minister Tatenda Mavetera leading both ceremonies. Ambassador Nikolai, who concludes his six and a half year term in Zimbabwe in two weeks, received the National AI Strategy document as a parting gesture recognising his role in supporting the country’s digital sovereignty during his tenure.
The National AI Strategy is designed to guide how Zimbabwe uses artificial intelligence safely, ethically and for the benefit of all its people, and forms part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which has placed cybersecurity as a national priority. 
The Cyber Security PRO training programme was delivered through a collaboration between the Russian Federation, Cyberus, Redzone and the Ministry of ICT. Since its launch, the programme has recorded over 3,400 registrations, nearly 2,500 active participants, an 85% average success rate, and nine top performers who have gone on to become mentors.
Speaking to the 72 graduates who received their certificates, Minister Mavetera challenged them to go beyond paper qualifications. “Who do you believe you are? Your success will not come from the certificate in your hand that you will put in a drawer. It will come from the conviction in your mind to work and be practical to safeguard the cyber space,” she said.
She also reminded graduates and young Zimbabweans that the skills offered through the programme remain free and accessible to all. “To the 72 graduates who concluded the Cyber Security PRO training who we handed over certificates today, you are not small players but first sentences of Zimbabwe’s AI and cybersecurity story. Every young Zimbabwean, these skills are FREE. They are for YOU. No matter your background or location,” she said.
Paying tribute to the outgoing ambassador, Mavetera said his contribution to Zimbabwe’s digital journey would not be forgotten. “To Ambassador Nikolai, thank you for 6.5 years of friendship and partnership. We will not forget your support for our digital sovereignty,” she said.
