By Dennis Lobuntu Ndlovu
As the global wave of artificial intelligence and robotics sweeps across industries, Zimbabwe faces significant challenges in adopting humanoid robots due to critical gaps in infrastructure, energy reliability, and economic readiness, experts have said.
Systems Engineer Farai Musiyandaka painted a sobering picture of the country’s technological landscape, noting that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is not yet compatible with the operational and maintenance needs of humanoid robotics.
“In terms of maintenance, we are not in a good state,” Musiyandaka said.
“Looking at where we are as an economy and where these robots are coming from, it may be a challenge to sustain them.” he noted
Musiyandaka emphasized that while humanoid robots can be highly effective in performing repetitive or physically intensive tasks particularly in industries like construction and manufacturing their success hinges on reliable power systems and a strong digital ecosystem.
“Yes, these robots can be programmed to carry out tasks efficiently. For example, a single robot can handle tasks like loading, reloading, or cleaning at cement plants work that would normally require multiple workers. This could significantly increase productivity and profitability,” he said.
“But the power infrastructure required to run these machines consistently is simply not in place.”
He further stressed that Zimbabwe’s poor transport systems and outdated urban planning present another major obstacle to robotic integration.
“Robots, especially those operating vehicles or assisting with smart logistics, require advanced infrastructure such as well-maintained roads, sensor-enabled environments, and electric vehicle support systems. Unfortunately, our current infrastructure does not support such advanced systems”, Musiyandaka said.
On the cybersecurity front, Musiyandaka cautioned about the potential vulnerability of humanoid robots to malware and hacking.
“These machines are essentially connected devices. Without robust cybersecurity frameworks in place, they are highly susceptible to viruses, which could disrupt operations or cause serious safety issues.”
When it comes to sectors like tourism, Musiyandaka believes the use of humanoid robots could actually undermine the appeal of Zimbabwe as a destination.
“Tourists, especially those from Western countries, are already familiar with robotic systems in their own cities,” he said.
“When they come to Africa, they are looking for an authentic experience that human interaction, the storytelling, the culture. Replacing human tour guides with robots in places like museums could strip the experience of its uniqueness.”
Methembe Dube, tech expert has also poured cold water on the idea that Zimbabwe is ready or able to adopt humanoid robots in any meaningful way.
Dube argued that the high upfront costs, complex maintenance demands, and lack of infrastructure make the integration of such advanced robotics technologies economically unfeasible in the local context.
“These humanoid robots are prohibitively expensive,” said Dube.
“We’re talking about machines that can cost anywhere between USD 100,000 to over a million dollars, depending on capabilities like autonomous mobility, real-time AI processing, and sensory systems. For Zimbabwean manufacturers or service providers, that’s not just a capital expenditure it’s a long-term financial burden.” he said.
Dube emphasized that while robots may be appealing as a futuristic solution, they simply don’t make financial sense for companies that operate in low-margin industries or economies still dominated by manual labor.
“Even after the initial purchase, you have to factor in the cost of software updates, cybersecurity protections, spare parts, and regular diagnostics,” he explained.
“We don’t have the local expertise to service or recalibrate these systems regularly, meaning you’d have to rely on expensive external technicians or send units abroad for repairs. That’s a logistical and financial nightmare.”
He added that Zimbabwe’s economic model particularly in industries such as agriculture, construction, retail, and informal trading still heavily depends on human labor due to its affordability and availability.
“In simple terms, it’s currently cheaper to employ ten people than to deploy one humanoid robot,” said Dube.
“Our labor market thrives because of that affordability. Automation at the level of humanoid robotics would not only displace jobs but do so at a cost that doesn’t guarantee a return on investment.”
Dube also noted that these robots require high-speed internet, continuous power supply, and ambient sensors infrastructure that Zimbabwe lacks in many urban and nearly all rural areas.
“You can’t plug a humanoid robot into a system that’s not digitally mature,” he said.
“These machines rely on machine learning, real-time cloud connectivity, and AI-driven decision-making engines. Without 5G networks, uninterrupted power, and integrated IoT environments, their full functionality is wasted.”
He added that even in developed countries, humanoid robots are still largely in pilot phases and experimental deployments often in controlled environments like high-tech factories, research labs, or luxury service industries.
“If countries with near-perfect infrastructure are still experimenting, what does that say about our readiness?” Dube questioned.
Zimbabwe should focus on foundational digital transformation first things like building national data infrastructure, stabilizing energy supply, and investing in STEM education. Jumping straight to humanoid robotics is like trying to launch a space program without even building an airport.
Zimbabwe’s Technological Landscape Not Yet Ready for Humanoid Robot Integration
By Dennis Ndlovu
As the global wave of artificial intelligence and robotics sweeps across industries, Zimbabwe faces significant challenges in adopting humanoid robots due to critical gaps in infrastructure, energy reliability, and economic readiness, experts have said.
Systems Engineer Farai Musiyandaka painted a sobering picture of the country’s technological landscape, noting that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is not yet compatible with the operational and maintenance needs of humanoid robotics.
“In terms of maintenance, we are not in a good state,” Musiyandaka said.
“Looking at where we are as an economy and where these robots are coming from, it may be a challenge to sustain them.” he noted
Musiyandaka emphasized that while humanoid robots can be highly effective in performing repetitive or physically intensive tasks particularly in industries like construction and manufacturing their success hinges on reliable power systems and a strong digital ecosystem.
“Yes, these robots can be programmed to carry out tasks efficiently. For example, a single robot can handle tasks like loading, reloading, or cleaning at cement plants work that would normally require multiple workers. This could significantly increase productivity and profitability,” he said.
“But the power infrastructure required to run these machines consistently is simply not in place.”
He further stressed that Zimbabwe’s poor transport systems and outdated urban planning present another major obstacle to robotic integration.
“Robots, especially those operating vehicles or assisting with smart logistics, require advanced infrastructure such as well-maintained roads, sensor-enabled environments, and electric vehicle support systems. Unfortunately, our current infrastructure does not support such advanced systems”, Musiyandaka said.
On the cybersecurity front, Musiyandaka cautioned about the potential vulnerability of humanoid robots to malware and hacking.
“These machines are essentially connected devices. Without robust cybersecurity frameworks in place, they are highly susceptible to viruses, which could disrupt operations or cause serious safety issues.”
When it comes to sectors like tourism, Musiyandaka believes the use of humanoid robots could actually undermine the appeal of Zimbabwe as a destination.
“Tourists, especially those from Western countries, are already familiar with robotic systems in their own cities,” he said.
“When they come to Africa, they are looking for an authentic experience that human interaction, the storytelling, the culture. Replacing human tour guides with robots in places like museums could strip the experience of its uniqueness.”
Methembe Dube, tech expert has also poured cold water on the idea that Zimbabwe is ready or able to adopt humanoid robots in any meaningful way.
Dube argued that the high upfront costs, complex maintenance demands, and lack of infrastructure make the integration of such advanced robotics technologies economically unfeasible in the local context.
“These humanoid robots are prohibitively expensive,” said Dube.
“We’re talking about machines that can cost anywhere between USD 100,000 to over a million dollars, depending on capabilities like autonomous mobility, real-time AI processing, and sensory systems. For Zimbabwean manufacturers or service providers, that’s not just a capital expenditure it’s a long-term financial burden.” he said.
Dube emphasized that while robots may be appealing as a futuristic solution, they simply don’t make financial sense for companies that operate in low-margin industries or economies still dominated by manual labor.
“Even after the initial purchase, you have to factor in the cost of software updates, cybersecurity protections, spare parts, and regular diagnostics,” he explained.
“We don’t have the local expertise to service or recalibrate these systems regularly, meaning you’d have to rely on expensive external technicians or send units abroad for repairs. That’s a logistical and financial nightmare.”
He added that Zimbabwe’s economic model particularly in industries such as agriculture, construction, retail, and informal trading still heavily depends on human labor due to its affordability and availability.
“In simple terms, it’s currently cheaper to employ ten people than to deploy one humanoid robot,” said Dube.
“Our labor market thrives because of that affordability. Automation at the level of humanoid robotics would not only displace jobs but do so at a cost that doesn’t guarantee a return on investment.”
Dube also noted that these robots require high-speed internet, continuous power supply, and ambient sensors infrastructure that Zimbabwe lacks in many urban and nearly all rural areas.
“You can’t plug a humanoid robot into a system that’s not digitally mature,” he said.
“These machines rely on machine learning, real-time cloud connectivity, and AI-driven decision-making engines. Without 5G networks, uninterrupted power, and integrated IoT environments, their full functionality is wasted.”
He added that even in developed countries, humanoid robots are still largely in pilot phases and experimental deployments often in controlled environments like high-tech factories, research labs, or luxury service industries.
“If countries with near-perfect infrastructure are still experimenting, what does that say about our readiness?” Dube questioned.
Zimbabwe should focus on foundational digital transformation first things like building national data infrastructure, stabilizing energy supply, and investing in STEM education. Jumping straight to humanoid robotics is like trying to launch a space program without even building an airport.