Midlands State University hosted a high-level Artificial Intelligence Public Lecture delivered by renowned robotics and Artificial Intelligence expert, Professor dr. Engineer Arthur Mutambara, on 12 May 2026 at the University’s Gweru Main Campus.
Professor Mutambara is a globally recognised scholar and thought leader who has made immense contributions in engineering, Artificial Intelligence, research, innovation, policy and global technological discourse.
Themed “Embracing the Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Africa: Understanding Both the Promise and the Peril,” the thought-provoking public lecture brought together academics, students, policymakers, industry leaders and technology enthusiasts for critical conversations on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence in Africa.
Delivering welcome remarks, Midlands State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, acknowledged the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping daily life, the future of humanity and the future of work.
“It is now more urgent than ever for higher education institutions to engage meaningfully with developments in Artificial Intelligence,” said Professor Muzvidziwa.
Since adopting the Education 5.0 philosophy, Midlands State University has deliberately reconfigured its academic programmes to respond to the demands of the fourth industrial revolution, digital transformation, knowledge economies and innovation-driven development.
Currently, Midlands State University is offering Artificial Intelligence as a compulsory module for all students aimed at equipping learners with strong theoretical and practical competencies in AI, while cultivating critical awareness of the ethical risks and challenges associated with emerging technologies.
Delivering his public lecture, Professor Mutambara explored the ecosystem of Artificial Intelligence, explaining how data, hardware, algorithms and application software work together to develop intelligent systems capable of transforming societies and economies.
He said Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for Africa through accelerating economic growth, improving public service delivery and addressing pressing infrastructural and social challenges.
“AI has benefits in every sector,” said Professor Mutambara.
“AI is bringing about a revolution in agriculture, transforming healthcare, enhancing financial services, improving education and strengthening the public sector.”
“There is no sector where there are no benefits, and that is the promise of AI,” he added.
Professor Mutambara, however, cautioned that while Artificial Intelligence offers transformative opportunities, it also carries significant risks if not managed responsibly.
Despite these concerns, Professor Mutambara commended Midlands State University for positioning students to thrive in the Artificial Intelligence era.
“MSU is forcing every student to do entrepreneurship, digital computing and AI,” he said.
“I salute you for that because you are already answering the question of new jobs.”
Professor Mutambara challenged young Africans not to become passive consumers of Western technologies, but active creators and innovators capable of developing solutions tailored for African realities.
“We must create AI in Africa,” he said.
“We cannot just be consumers of AI.”
“We must have agency in the AI revolution, build AI systems and contribute to AI thought leadership.”
The engaging public lecture also featured an interactive question-and-answer session in which participants raised pertinent issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence, ethics, innovation, employment and Africa’s technological future.
Tawanda Antonio, a Form 6 student from Fletcher High School, expressed his profound gratitude to Midlands State University for including primary and secondary learners in the AI public lecture, noting that the insights gained would be instrumental in his ongoing project to design an offline AI model.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Midlands State University SRC President, Kim Sharon Mutangabende, expressed gratitude to Professor Mutambara for delivering an engaging and insightful lecture that stimulated meaningful debate on Artificial Intelligence and Africa’s future.
Midlands State University continues to position itself as a leading institution in advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation and technology-driven education in support of national development and the transformation towards a digitalised economy.