AI a transformative force for redefining Parliaments

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technological tool but a transformative force that can redefine parliaments, and influence the legislative process and way of engagement with citizens, Hon Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said.

She made the remarks during the Mini-Symposium on Artificial Intelligence at the New Parliament Building today 22 May 2025 which was held under the theme “HarnessingArtificial Intelligence for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Opportunities, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

The replica symposium is a critical precursor, establishing both context and momentum, to the more extensive dialogue to be held at the beginning of the 57^th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Victoria Falls City in Zimbabwe.

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human reasoning and decision-making. There are various types of artificial intelligence applications including ChatGPT, and Gemini.

There are different types of artificial intelligence. There is single-task artificial intelligence that performs specific tasks, rather than performing multiple tasks. Agentic artificial intelligence is designed to perform specific well-defined tasks with precision and efficiency. Generative AI uses algorithms and models to create new content or generate novel ideas.

Zimbabwe is working on coming up with an artificial intelligence framework and policy. To achieve that, there is a need to invest in digital infrastructure to make sure that data is accessible to all.

“In the European Parliament, for example, they are using AI to summarize legal texts and provide competitive law analysis. They have also used it as a monitoring compliance tool whereby they look at their legislative procedures. The Finnish parliament has an innovation fund to explore artificial intelligence for evidence-based policy-making. They’ve come up with the chatbot to assist citizens with inquiries about the legislative

processes.

“We need to be engaging with our citizens and the only way we can then be able to do that and get real-time feedback is by having a chatbot. We can also use artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze our legislative proposals and flag policy changes. We can also use artificial intelligence to make sure that we can pass on large data sets.

She added that AI can enhance legislative efficiency by summarizing bills and debates.

“It can be used for monitoring legislative trends; supporting public consultations; fact-checking and misinformation detection, automated

translation and transcription. Chatbots can be used for citizen engagements and also for checking bill similarities and legislative history, thereby enhancing efficiency. AI can strengthen transparency and public engagement which can be used for real-time language translation,” Minister Mavetera added.

AI offers an opportunity for public sentiment analysis whereby Parliament can monitor social media public feedback and gauge citizens’ consent.

 

In a keynote address, Hon Jacob F. N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, said the African Union (AU) has, in recent years, adopted key strategic frameworks that lay the foundation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments, such as the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, the AU Data Policy Framework as well as the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection to create a consolidated and resilient African AI ecosystem anchored on innovation.

 

He said with the adoption of the Continental AI Strategy, the African Union is laying the foundation for Africa to become an integral participant in the AI revolution. The Strategy reflects the common vision for AI in Africa under the theme “Harnessing AI for Africa’s Development and Prosperity”. It promotes an Afro-centric, development-oriented, and inclusive approach to an ethical and responsible deployment of AI across the continent.

 

“Our today’s symposium, under the replicated theme of, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes: Experiences, Opportunities and Challenges”, resonates propitiously with the African Union initiatives and is a timely exploration of how digital technologies can reshape and enhance our Parliamentary processes in Africa let alone in our SADC Region.

 

“Parliaments across the SADC region face what can only be described as a Hobson’s Choice. Wherein there is only one real choice available, forced choice for that matter. We have no alternative but to adopt and embrace these digital technologies. We must now determine not whether, but how to harness them to enhance our Parliamentary praxis. Indeed, Vision 2030 underpins the pivotal role of modern, efficient, and inclusive institutions. Parliament must, therefore, be at the forefront of this transformation by harnessing Artificial Intelligence and innovation to accelerate institutional modernisation and bridge the longstanding gaps in human-face-anchored service delivery, especially in our governance ecosystem.

 

“The Parliament of Zimbabwe recognises that Artificial Intelligence represents a tectonic shift in how parliaments can fulfill their constitutional obligations with greater efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to the citizenry. In our 10^th Institutional Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, we have emphasised the modernisation of Parliament by proactively integrating these technological innovations into our institutional tapestry. However, we cannot undertake this revolutionary journey in isolation,” Hon Mudenda said.

 

Through AI-driven interfaces, Hon Mudenda said Parliament aims to transform its Informatics Database into a more interactive and user-friendly resource.

 

“We envision intelligent systems that can organise, retrieve, and present constituency information in ways that serve the public more effectively. We are, therefore, developing a Chatbot that will be readily accessible on mobile devices to ensure that constituency information is just a tap away. This innovative approach speaks directly to our younger generations and of course, the older generation, who live in a digital world and expect instant and accessible information.

 

“Furthermore, a Chatbot is being developed to ensure the accessibility of information about parliamentary processes, legislation and civic participation. Upon completion, members of the public should be able to ask questions about parliamentary proceedings, understand legislative processes, or learn about civic engagement opportunities through their smartphones.”

Sarah Davies, from the House of Commons and UK Parliament, said Parliamentarians in her country have been trained on some of the new tools that might become available and on tools that have already been used to enhance their legislative work.