Zimbabwe’s ICT Regulator Earns Global Praise for Inclusive Growth

The POTRAZ Effect….

By Shingirai Vambe

The trajectory of any institution, much like that of a nation or even a family, is often shaped not merely by the resources at its disposal, but by the character, vision, and conduct of its leadership. While material assets and infrastructure may provide a foundation, it is the intangible qualities, integrity, inclusivity, managerial acumen, and a genuine passion for growth, that ultimately determine whether an organization thrives or stagnates.

In Zimbabwe’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the rise of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe stands as a compelling case study of how leadership can redefine an institution’s fortunes. At the center of this transformation is Director General Gift Machengete, whose tenure has been marked by a deliberate shift toward inclusive governance, innovation, and sector-wide growth.

Observers note that leadership is not a universal trait, people approach responsibility differently, guided by varying levels of commitment, vision, and discipline. In the case of POTRAZ, however, the blend of strategic foresight and a people-centered approach has elevated the regulator’s standing both locally and internationally. The institution’s recent recognition by the Government of Zimbabwe is widely seen as a reflection of this leadership ethos, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

This recognition has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, has echoed similar sentiments, commending POTRAZ for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to inclusive development.

In an interview with The Post On Sunday Newspaper, the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the ITU, Cosmas Zavazava, offered an in-depth assessment of Zimbabwe’s regulatory progress and the role played by POTRAZ under Machengete’s stewardship.

Zavazava highlighted that Machengete’s leadership has yielded tangible results, particularly in enhancing competition within the telecommunications sector and expanding mobile connectivity across Zimbabwe. He also underscored the critical role played by the Universal Service Fund in improving access to communication services at the community level, especially in underserved areas.

From a broader international perspective, Zavazava noted that the recognition accorded to POTRAZ reflects a significant shift in how regulators are perceived across Africa. Rather than being viewed as mere enforcers of compliance, modern regulators are increasingly seen as enablers of digital ecosystems, creating conditions that attract investment, foster innovation, and expand connectivity. This approach, he explained, is essential in an era defined by data-driven technologies and artificial intelligence, where access to the internet is no longer a luxury but a prerequisite for economic participation.

POTRAZ’s achievements in digital inclusion, infrastructure expansion, and data protection were also singled out as aligning closely with ITU’s global development priorities. Zavazava commended the authority’s efforts to bridge the rural-urban digital divide, empower women and youth, and promote accessibility for persons with disabilities. He further revealed that Zimbabwe, through POTRAZ, is among the beneficiaries of a €15 million broadband infrastructure mapping project co-financed by the ITU and the European Commission, aimed at identifying connectivity gaps across sub-Saharan Africa.

While acknowledging Zimbabwe’s progress in increasing internet and mobile penetration, Zavazava cautioned that sustainability will depend on addressing persistent challenges such as affordability, digital literacy, and the expansion of high-speed networks to remote areas. He emphasised that connectivity alone is not sufficient, citizens must also possess the skills and resources to meaningfully participate in the digital economy.

Central to bridging this gap, he noted, are initiatives such as POTRAZ’s Digital Centres, innovation hubs, and youth-focused programmes, including hackathons and entrepreneurship training. These initiatives, he said, tap into Africa’s demographic advantage by equipping young people with the tools needed to innovate and create economic opportunities.

Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote inclusivity, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, were also praised as exemplary. Zavazava pointed to initiatives supporting digital access in unconventional spaces, including correctional facilities, as evidence of a commitment to the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

In the realm of data governance, Zimbabwe’s progress in training Data Protection Officers and issuing licences was described as critical to building trust within the digital economy. Zavazava stressed that without strong data protection frameworks, efforts to expand digital services risk being undermined by concerns over privacy and security.

Looking ahead, he emphasised the need for regulators like POTRAZ to strike a careful balance between fostering innovation and maintaining robust governance and cybersecurity frameworks. Participation in global platforms such as ITU’s Global Regulators’ Symposium and CyberDrills, he noted, is essential for sharing best practices and staying abreast of emerging technological trends.

Zavazava also underscored the importance of synergy between policy-makers and regulators. In Zimbabwe’s case, he pointed to the role of the Ministry of ICT in establishing a supportive policy environment, while POTRAZ focuses on implementing a human-centric regulatory framework. When these two functions are aligned, he said, meaningful digital transformation becomes achievable.

To accelerate Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 ambitions, Zavazava recommended a range of policy interventions, including creating an enabling environment for investment, promoting infrastructure sharing, prioritising affordability, and embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G. He also highlighted the importance of reliable power supply and preparedness for next-generation connectivity solutions, including low-earth orbit satellite systems.

On the question of global collaboration, Zavazava noted that Zimbabwe stands to benefit from deeper engagement with international platforms such as the ITU’s Digital Regulators Network, which facilitates knowledge exchange and partnerships between regulators worldwide.

As for the broader African context, he called for strengthened cooperation among nations, leveraging frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area to drive joint innovation, talent development, and the creation of a competitive digital economy.

Looking to the future, Zavazava expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s potential to emerge as a digital innovation hub in Southern Africa. He cited the country’s youthful population, improving connectivity, and growing investment in innovation ecosystems as key advantages. However, he stressed that sustained progress will depend on deliberate policy direction, continued investment, and a commitment to embracing new technologies responsibly.

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