Source: ‘4th Industrial Revolution shouldn’t deepen inequalities’ – herald
Mukudzei Chingwere in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
The Fourth Industrial Revolution that has engulfed world economies should be championed in a manner that does not repeat the previous inequalities that marked the first, second and third industrial breakthroughs, which left the Global South behind, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He was speaking at the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia (CIPR), where he addressed a key plenary session of the conference titled – Digital Industry Map: Global Roles and Responsibilities – shortly after touching down in Russia.
The conference, one of Russia’s largest annual platforms for digital economy development and industrial digitisation, brings together industry leaders and technology experts to discuss data-driven growth, international technology cooperation and industrial software solutions.
VP Chiwenga warned that the Global South must not be relegated again to the role of a passive supplier of raw inputs.
He said Zimbabwe and other countries in the region should be afforded a seat and help shape the future of digital transformation through shared innovation and cooperation – drawing on natural resources, while partnering with technology and expertise from across the world.
Zimbabwe, said the Vice President, views the forum as a key catalyst for building new partnerships and attracting investment across the Global South.
He called on participants to work with Zimbabwe in these efforts.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution must not replicate the inequalities of previous industrial revolutions,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The Global South must not again become a passive supplier of inputs for prosperity created elsewhere. We must build and innovate together, leveraging on our abundant natural resources and your technology and expertise.
“We must govern digital transformation together and ensure that technological progress advances sovereignty, inclusion and human dignity.
“Zimbabwe views this forum as a vital catalyst for fostering new partnerships and investments across the Global South. I therefore invite you to come and partner with Zimbabwe in this endeavour,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said Zimbabwe is positioning itself to lead Africa’s transformation in the emerging fourth industrial revolution – an era shaped by artificial intelligence, modern infrastructure, sovereign digital ecosystems, advanced manufacturing and intelligent resource beneficiation.
The Vice President told his audience that Zimbabwe is now calling for well-targeted investment to strengthen infrastructure, build human and institutional capacity.
VP Chiwenga also addressed concerns that AI could displace jobs, saying the technology is intended to complement existing work rather than replace it.
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