By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE – THE government is rapidly advancing its digital transformation agenda, marked by the imminent official launch of an automated smart traffic management system and acceleration of the National (AI) Strategy.
The National AIÂ Strategy was launched by President Mnangagwa on March 13.
These initiatives confirm the Second Republic’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced public safety, economic growth and improved service delivery as articulated by Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Honourable Tatenda Mavetera this week.
She said the new automated smart traffic management system was developed by her ministry in partnership with TelOne and is poised to revolutionize road safety and enforcement across the country.
The system has since received Cabinet approval and awaits official launch, employs advanced surveillance cameras to detect various road violations in real-time.
Minister Mavetera elaborated on the system’s capabilities and said:
“We have developed a system where traffic offences are automatically detected through cameras including running through red lights, dangerous parking among other road violations. You will be detected by cameras.”
She further clarified the collaborative nature of the project:
“We are chairing the ICT development, but the Ministry of Home Affairs is leading the programme. The Ministry of Home Affairs came up with the ICT management system,” she said.
The implementation will see a key role for a national telecommunications provider(Telone).
She added :
“We are working together with them to make sure TelOne becomes the designated company in charge of the implementation.”
She said the system’s oversight will be a joint effort managed collaboratively by the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Transport and the City Council.
Beyond traffic management, the country is making major strides in its wide digital economy aspirations, with a strong emphasis on AI.
The 2026 Digital Economy Conference, held on the sidelines of the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) under the theme “Accelerating Zimbabwe’s Digital Economy: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Action Towards Vision 2030. ” served as a platform to discuss the nation’s technological future.
Mavetera passionately articulated the urgency of digital adoption and vowed :
“In the new world, it’s not the big fish which eats the small fish, but the fast fish which eats the slow fish. Zimbabwe must be fast. We must not be spectators in this revolution, but active participants and confident leaders.”
The recent launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026-2030) by President Mnangagwa is a cornerstone of this vision.
Mavetera emphasized the President’s directive and said:
“The President made it clear that our AI journey must be rooted in sovereignty and identity. We must build systems that understand our values, speak our languages and solve our unique national challenges.” Drawing inspiration from regional successes, she highlighted Rwanda as a case study :
“Rwanda has become a proof of concept that an African nation can leapfrog legacy systems through visionary leadership and strategic investments in technology.”
She said that the government is establishing the Zimbabwe National Innovation Acceleration Centre (NIAC) at the ZITF grounds .
“The NIAC will bridge the gap between ideas and industry, ensuring that innovation reaches our factories, farms, hospitals and classrooms while empowering young Zimbabweans to become job creators.”
She painted a vivid picture of the future Zimbabwe where a where a farmer in Tsholotsho can access AI-powered climate intelligence, a student in Binga can benefit from world-class digital education, and a young entrepreneur in Mbare can develop solutions for global markets.
Ultimately, the focus remains on tangible progress: “We don’t need more documents that gather dust. We need measurable results, jobs created through innovation and a digital economy that delivers prosperity.”
These concerted efforts demonstrate The Second Republic’s firm commitment to embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and position the nation as a dynamic and competitive player in the global digital landscape.
