HARARE, June 18, 2026 — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday launched an artificial intelligence-powered Citizen Engagement and Scoring Platform developed by students from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), marking a significant step in Government’s drive to modernise public service delivery and strengthen citizen participation in governance.
The innovative digital platform will enable citizens across Zimbabwe to provide real-time feedback, identify service delivery gaps and rate the performance of local authorities, giving Government access to valuable data to improve decision-making and service delivery.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the platform represents more than a technological advancement, describing it as a practical tool for deepening democracy and enhancing accountability within local authorities.
“Today, we are not merely launching a digital platform, but deepening our democracy and participatory governance. We are strengthening accountability and responsiveness of Local Authorities both in urban and rural areas,” he said.
The President commended the young innovators from the Harare Institute of Technology who designed the platform, saying their achievement demonstrates Zimbabwe’s growing technological capabilities and commitment to developing home-grown solutions to national challenges.
“I congratulate our young innovators from the Harare Institute of Technology University, who developed the platform. The big data that can be derived from the interview questions will be useful to Government for broader policy planning,” President Mnangagwa said.
The platform incorporates artificial intelligence tools capable of analysing citizen feedback and generating insights to support policy formulation and service delivery reforms. According to the President, the system will help strengthen trust between citizens and Government while improving the relationship between ratepayers and local authorities.
“I was equally impressed that the Platform ensures that technology, in particular Artificial Intelligence, is leveraged to propel reforms and the modernisation of our systems towards increased trust between the citizens and Government,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the initiative is part of a broader governance reform agenda that includes the Call to Action – No Compromise to Service Delivery Blueprint and the Minimum Service Delivery Standards framework, both aimed at improving the quality of public services across the country.
He said the Citizen Engagement and Scoring Platform reinforces the Second Republic’s commitment to being a listening Government that places citizens at the centre of national development.
“The platform re-affirms my Administration as a listening Government. All opinions, views or recommendations from ratepayers, including private sector players, are vital towards bolstering our national development drive,” he said.
Under the new system, citizens will be able to submit feedback from their communities and participate directly in assessing service delivery performance.
“The Citizen Engagement and Scoring Platform guarantees every Zimbabwean the opportunity to provide feedback, identify service gaps and evaluate performance in real time, from across all communities,” the President said.
He added that the platform demonstrates Government’s determination to ensure that no citizen or community is left behind in the country’s development journey.
“It stands as proof that we are walking the talk and leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged local authorities, ministries, departments and agencies to embrace digital innovation and adopt data-driven approaches to governance as Zimbabwe advances towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the objectives of the National Development Strategy.
He emphasized that the platform should be viewed as a professional tool for improving service delivery rather than a mechanism for assigning blame.
“Let me be clear that this platform is not a fault-finding instrument. It is not a courtroom or an enquiry, but an essential professional barometer and analytical tool which must allow the timely correction of errors, oversight and lapses in service delivery by Local Authorities,” he said.
The President also called on citizens to use the platform responsibly and constructively in the spirit of nation-building.
“Your voice matters. However, constructive feedback towards strengthening public institutions, encouraging innovation and exposing inefficiencies should always be the guiding motivation, and not malice,” he said.
As Zimbabwe accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the Citizen Engagement and Scoring Platform is expected to improve transparency, accountability and responsiveness within public institutions while strengthening citizen confidence in Government programmes and services.
Officially commissioning the platform, President Mnangagwa expressed confidence that it would contribute towards building a responsive, inclusive and knowledge-driven society anchored on quality service delivery, accountability and shared prosperity.
“With these remarks, it is now my distinct honour and privilege to declare the Citizen Engagement and Scoring Platform officially launched,” he said.
