Deputy Minister Hon. Angeline Gata Calls for Responsible AI Use as Nyazura Learners Win NCOY 2026
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Angeline Gata, has called on schools to embrace artificial intelligence as a tool for innovation while ensuring that technology strengthens, rather than replaces, human thinking.
Speaking at the National Company of the Year (NCOY) 2026 Schools Competition held at Golden Conifer in Harare from October 14 to 15, Honourable Gata said education should equip young people not only to understand the world but also to contribute practical solutions to its challenges.
Her remarks came as Nyazura Adventist High School emerged the overall winner of the competition, with its student company, AgroSmart, showcasing an innovation focused on improving irrigation and helping farmers make better use of water.
The competition, held under the theme “AI: Augmenting Innovation”, brought together eight schools from Harare, Bulawayo, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces to demonstrate how entrepreneurship and technology can be used to address real-world challenges.
Among the innovations showcased were a soil controller designed to help farmers water their crops when necessary, soil moisture sensors and an irrigation advisory system.
AgroSmart’s innovation highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and sensor technology to support agricultural productivity by helping farmers determine when their crops need water, potentially reducing unnecessary water use and improving irrigation decisions.
Honourable Gata congratulated the winners and all participating learners for turning knowledge into practical solutions, commending them for demonstrating teamwork, determination and creativity.
She said participants had gained valuable experience regardless of their final positions, noting that entrepreneurship required young people to develop ideas, understand customer needs, manage resources and learn from setbacks.
As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030 and implements the National Development Strategy 2 for 2026–2030, Honourable Gata said the education system must equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values and creativity required for national development.
She noted that the Heritage-Based Curriculum and the Education 5.0 philosophy reinforced the importance of connecting classroom learning with practical innovation and value creation.
According to the Deputy Minister, entrepreneurship education can help learners identify gaps in their communities, test business ideas, develop products and understand how to turn their innovations into sustainable enterprises.
She said these capabilities could contribute to productivity, industrialisation, job creation and improved livelihoods.
Honourable Gata also emphasised the need for collaboration between Government, industry and the business community to expand practical learning opportunities, mentor young innovators and strengthen links between education and the productive sectors.
She encouraged learners to identify challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, health, environmental management and digital services and consider how they could develop solutions.
On artificial intelligence, she said the technology was changing how people conduct business, design products and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
However, she warned that AI must be used responsibly, urging learners to question information generated by the technology, verify its accuracy, exercise sound judgement and remain accountable for their decisions.
She also highlighted the potential of Zimbabwe’s AI Strategy 2026–2030 to support innovation and inclusive development, while stressing the importance of managing the risks associated with the technology.
The competition ran alongside a ministerial and stakeholder trade fair and product demonstrations, where student companies had an opportunity to present their products and business ideas.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, Nyazura Adventist High School’s company director said she was delighted that the school had secured first position.
She said the school would proceed to Cape Town, South Africa, to represent Zimbabwe at the JA competitions.
The event was attended by Honourable Gata, senior government delegates, representatives from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, and JA Zimbabwe Board Chairperson Pr Tigel Chanakira.
The competition underscored the importance of exposing learners to practical entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, giving them opportunities to develop solutions that could address community needs and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
As AgroSmart prepares for the next stage of the competition, its achievement places the spotlight on the potential of young Zimbabweans to apply technology and entrepreneurial thinking to challenges in agriculture and other key sectors.