Two Zimbabwean companies, Hurudza AI and Paltech Africa, have announced a strategic partnership to launch The Farmers’ Bench, an AI-powered solution aimed at transforming access to agricultural knowledge across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Paltech describes itself as a technology company democratising AI and sustainable energy through smart infrastructure. Hurudza AI is an artificial intelligence-powered multilingual agricultural contact centre.
Together, the two companies say they are building a unified system that delivers data-driven insights to farmers on the ground, helping them make better decisions and improve productivity.
At the core of the initiative is The Farmers’ Bench, a hybrid physical and digital innovation hub that provides farmers with actionable insights, climate-smart recommendations, and tailored support.
By integrating AI with accessible infrastructure, the platform aims to bridge information gaps and ensure that smallholder farmers can make informed decisions in real time. This is expected to improve yields, reduce risks linked to climate change and support more sustainable farming practices across the country.
Paltech Africa will provide the hardware backbone, including solar-powered systems and edge AI infrastructure. The company will also oversee installation, site selection and maintenance of the smart units deployed in farming communities.
Hurudza AI will power the software side, offering its conversational AI platform that delivers accurate, multilingual agricultural advice. The system will be continuously updated to ensure farmers receive relevant and timely information.
This integration of hardware and software is important. Instead of relying on internet-heavy solutions, the platform works at the edge, meaning it can function effectively even in areas with limited connectivity. Embedding Hurudza AI’s capabilities into solar-powered infrastructure allows farmers to access knowledge directly where they work, without needing advanced devices or constant internet access. For many farmers, this could mark a shift from delayed or unavailable information to instant, reliable support.
The partnership reflects a broader ambition to democratise access to artificial intelligence across the agricultural sector. The initiative is expected to contribute to improved food security, empower rural communities, and support scalable, locally driven solutions for agricultural development.
The project is now at the pilot phase but there are plans to expand the platform across provinces.
