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Zimbabwe advances AI national strategy with UNESCO support

Zimbabwe has launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026 to 2030, marking a significant step towards shaping its digital future instead of relying solely on traditional development pathways.

Announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare, the strategy sets out a national framework for the responsible use of AI to support innovation, improve public services, and expand economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, and public administration.

The strategy places strong emphasis on building digital infrastructure, developing AI skills, and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems.

Officials highlighted the importance of governance frameworks to ensure that AI systems remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with national priorities instead of advancing without oversight.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to position Zimbabwe within the evolving technological landscape of the fourth industrial revolution while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Development of the strategy was supported by UNESCO, working alongside national institutions and stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society.

The process was informed by the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology and aligned with UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, promoting a human-centred approach that prioritises human rights, fairness, and transparency.

Regional initiatives across Southern Africa have also contributed to strengthening AI adoption readiness through similar assessment frameworks.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe aims to translate the strategy into concrete investments in infrastructure, talent development, and innovation ecosystems.

International partners, including the UN, have expressed support for implementation efforts, emphasising the importance of inclusive growth and equitable access to digital opportunities.

By combining national leadership with international collaboration, Zimbabwe seeks to ensure that AI benefits communities across urban and rural areas rather than widening existing socioeconomic divides.

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New AI safety policies target teen protection in apps

OpenAI has released a set of prompt-based safety policies to help developers build safer AI experiences for teenagers. The tools work with the open-weight model gpt-oss-safeguard, turning safety requirements into practical classifiers for real-world use.

The policies address teen risks, including graphic violence, sexual content, harmful body image behaviour, dangerous challenges, roleplay, and age-restricted goods and services. Developers can use them for both real-time filtering and offline content analysis.

The framework was developed with input from organisations such as Common Sense Media and everyone.ai to improve clarity and consistency in teen safety rules. The initiative also responds to long-standing challenges in translating high-level safety goals into precise operational systems.

Open-source availability through the ROOST Model Community allows developers to adapt and expand the policies for different use cases and languages. The framework is a foundational step, not a complete solution, encouraging layered safeguards and ongoing refinement.

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Google sets 2029 deadline for post-quantum cryptography migration

A transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2029 is being led by Google, aiming to secure digital systems against future quantum computing threats instead of relying on existing encryption standards.

The move reflects growing concern that advances in quantum hardware and algorithms could eventually undermine current cryptographic protections, particularly through attacks that store encrypted data today for decryption in the future.

Quantum computers are expected to challenge widely used encryption and digital signature systems, prompting the need for early transition strategies.

Google has updated its threat model to prioritise authentication services, recognising that digital signatures pose a critical vulnerability if not addressed before the arrival of quantum machines capable of cryptanalysis.

The company is encouraging broader industry action to accelerate migration efforts and reduce long-term security risks.

As part of its strategy, Google is integrating post-quantum cryptography into its products and services.

Android 17 will include quantum-resistant digital signature protection aligned with standards developed by the US’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. At the same time, support has already been introduced in Google Chrome and cloud platforms.

These measures aim to bring advanced security technologies directly to users instead of limiting them to experimental environments.

By setting a clear timeline, Google aims to instil urgency and direction across the wider technology sector.

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is expected to become a critical step in maintaining online security, ensuring that digital infrastructure remains resilient as quantum computing capabilities continue to evolve.

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OpenAI launches a public Safety Bug Bounty programme

OpenAI has introduced a public Safety Bug Bounty programme to identify misuse and safety risks across its AI systems. The initiative expands the company’s existing vulnerability reporting framework by focusing on harms that fall outside traditional security definitions.

The programme covers AI threats such as agentic risks, prompt injection, data exfiltration, and bypassing platform integrity controls. Researchers are encouraged to submit reproducible cases where AI systems perform harmful actions or expose sensitive information.

Unlike standard security reports, the initiative accepts safety issues that pose real-world risk, even if they are not classified as technical vulnerabilities. Dedicated safety and security teams will assess submissions and may be reassigned depending on relevance.

The scheme is open to external researchers and ethical hackers to strengthen AI safety through broader collaboration. OpenAI says the approach is intended to improve resilience against evolving misuse as AI systems become more advanced.

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EU strengthens semiconductor strategy through Chips Act dialogue

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will host a high-level dialogue in Brussels to assess the implementation of the European Chips Act Regulation and gather industry feedback ahead of its planned revision.

Stakeholders from across the semiconductor ecosystem are expected to exchange views and present recommendations to shape future policy direction.

An initiative that forms part of the broader strategy led by the European Commission to reinforce technological sovereignty and competitiveness, rather than relying heavily on external suppliers.

The Chips Act seeks to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, improve supply chain resilience, and reduce strategic dependencies in critical technologies.

The dialogue follows a public consultation and call for evidence conducted in autumn 2025, with findings set to inform the upcoming legislative revision.

Industry representatives will provide direct input through a report outlining challenges, opportunities, and proposed policy adjustments, contributing to a more targeted and effective framework for semiconductor development.

Looking ahead, the revision of the Chips Act will be integrated into a wider Technological Sovereignty package designed to boost the capacity of Europe’s digital industries.

By combining stakeholder engagement with policy reform, the European Commission aims to ensure that semiconductor innovation and production can expand across the EU rather than remain constrained by reliance on external suppliers.

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National AI readiness initiative introduced in the US

The US National Science Foundation has introduced the NSF TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative to expand access to AI education, tools, and training. The programme is designed to ensure workers, businesses, and communities can actively participate in the growing AI-driven economy.

Federal collaboration forms a core part of the initiative, bringing together the Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Labour, and the Small Business Administration.

The effort aims to close gaps in AI capability by improving literacy, supporting small businesses, and building hands-on learning pathways such as internships and applied training.

A network of up to 56 state and territory-based Coordination Hubs will be created to coordinate local AI adoption strategies. Each hub will receive up to $1 million in annual funding over three years, with the potential for an extension based on continued need and impact.

Further funding rounds are planned to appoint a national coordination lead and support pilot projects that scale AI readiness solutions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy informed by the White House AI Action Plan.

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Cross-device browsing arrives with Samsung Browser for Windows

Samsung Electronics has launched Samsung Browser for Windows, expanding its mobile browsing experience to desktop users. The release focuses on cross-device continuity, allowing users to resume browsing sessions seamlessly between smartphones and PCs.

Users can move between devices without losing progress, extending beyond basic bookmark and history syncing. Integration with Samsung Pass also enables secure storage of personal data, simplifying logins and autofill across websites.

A key addition is the introduction of agentic AI capabilities developed in partnership with Perplexity. The built-in assistant understands page context and user activity, helping manage tabs, summarise content, and deliver more precise search results without leaving the browser.

Availability covers Windows 10 and 11 devices, while AI features are currently limited to the US and South Korea. A wider rollout is expected as Samsung continues to expand its intelligent browsing ecosystem.

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New UK rules target foreign influence and crypto donations

The UK government has announced sweeping reforms to political donations, introducing a £100,000 annual cap on contributions from overseas electors. The move targets concerns that individuals living abroad could exert disproportionate financial influence on domestic politics.

Cryptocurrency donations have also been banned with immediate effect, reflecting fears over anonymity and the difficulty of tracing funds. Authorities warn that digital assets risk enabling untraceable political funding until stronger regulation is in place.

Both measures will apply retrospectively, requiring political parties and candidates to return any unlawful donations within 30 days once the legislation takes effect. Enforcement action may follow for non-compliance, signalling a stricter approach to financial oversight.

Reforms stem from the Rycroft Review, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the UK’s electoral system linked to foreign interference. Further changes, including stronger Electoral Commission powers and tighter donor checks, are expected.

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Malaysia launches AI platform Rakan Tani to support farmers and stabilise incomes

The National AI Office (NAIO), through its NAIO Lab, is advancing Malaysia’s AI-driven development by building an ecosystem that supports innovation, collaboration, and startups. NAIO Lab aims to position the country as a hub for AI innovation where developers can experiment and create practical solutions.

Rakan Tani, the first project under NAIO Lab, is an AI-powered digital platform designed to transform the agricultural sector. It connects farmers with buyers early in the crop cycle and uses AI-driven order matching to help secure competitive prices and improve financial predictability.

The platform integrates multiple AI-driven features, including pre-harvest commerce, subsidy access via national ID systems, agriculture financing using pre-harvest orders as collateral, real-time cash payouts through digital banking, and logistics coordination with distributors and providers. It is delivered via WhatsApp and supports both Malay and English, with a pilot planned in Terengganu in May 2025.

NAIO Lab also provides AI startups with resources, mentorship, and funding, enabling collaboration between experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The initiative is supported by partnerships across government, academia, and industry, including the Ministry of Digital, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GAIV, UPM, and Segi Fresh, with the goal of accelerating AI adoption and supporting sustainable economic growth.

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Quantum readiness gains momentum according to OECD report

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) highlights how businesses are preparing for quantum computing, recognising it as a transformative technology instead of relying solely on conventional computing methods.

Quantum readiness is framed as a long-term capability-building effort in which firms gradually develop skills, infrastructure, and partnerships to explore commercial applications while navigating uncertainty.

Drawing on research, surveys, and interviews with public and private organisations across 10 countries, the OECD identifies both the practical steps companies take to build readiness and the barriers that slow adoption.

Early efforts focus on low-cost awareness and exploration, including attending workshops, training sessions, and industry events, allowing firms to familiarise themselves with emerging opportunities instead of waiting for fully mature systems.

Despite growing interest, companies face significant challenges. Technological immaturity complicates pilots and feasibility studies, while many firms lack a clear understanding of potential business applications.

Access to quantum resources, funding for research and development, and staff training are expensive, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, there is a shortage of talent with both quantum computing expertise and domain-specific knowledge.

As a result, readiness tends to be concentrated among large, R&D-intensive firms, while smaller companies often recognise quantum computing’s potential but delay action.

Such an uneven adoption risks creating a divide in the digital economy, with early adopters moving ahead and other firms falling behind instead of engaging proactively.

To address these challenges, the OECD notes that public and private support mechanisms are critical. Networking and collaboration platforms connect firms with researchers, technology providers, and industry peers, fostering knowledge exchange and collective experimentation.

Business advisory and technology extension services help companies assess capabilities, test solutions, and access specialised facilities.

Grants for research and development lower the costs of experimentation and encourage collaboration, while stakeholder consultations ensure that support measures remain aligned with business needs.

Many companies are also establishing internal quantum labs and innovation hubs to trial applications and build expertise in a controlled environment, combining research with practical exploration instead of relying solely on external guidance.

Looking ahead, the OECD recommends expanding education and skills pipelines, strengthening industry-academic partnerships, and designing policies that support broader participation in quantum adoption.

Hybrid approaches that integrate quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing may offer practical commercial entry points for early applications.

Policymakers are encouraged to balance near-term exploratory pilots with forward-looking support for software development, interoperability, and workforce growth, enabling firms to move from experimentation to deployment effectively.

By following OECD guidance, companies can enhance innovation, improve competitiveness, and ensure that readiness efforts span sectors and geographies rather than remain limited to a few early adopters.

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