Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is spearheading the country’s digital transformation, with targeted interventions in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services. POTRAZ’s Director-General, Dr Gift Machengete said this involves provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and internet connectivity.
Speaking at a strategic planning workshop in Mutare this week, Dr Machengete said over the past five years, POTRAZ has established base stations in marginalised areas to enhance connectivity, set up digital centres, and accelerated e-learning programmes in schools, particularly those in rural areas. About 1 700 schools have been connected to the internet as part of these initiatives.“Over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by POTRAZ, has recorded significant achievements that have expanded connectivity, deepened inclusion, and strengthened innovation across Zimbabwe. 22 base station towers were relocated under the Tower Relocation Project, bringing coverage to previously underserved communities. We established 204 digital centres, with 48 powered by solar energy to ensure sustainability and resilience.
“In the education sector, our e-learning programmes transformed access to digital tools for learners and teachers. Over 1700 schools were connected to the internet, 921 were equipped with ICT laboratories, and over 1800 computers were distributed nationwide. Additionally, 720 schools received laptops to facilitate digital registration for ZIMSEC examinations,” said Dr Machengete, adding that POTRAZ has also capacitated Government ministries and agencies by availing computers and smart devices to enable the smooth flow in the implementation of the e-Government initiative.
“The e-Government programme also registered impressive progress, with over 2 200 computers and 320 smart devices distributed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including Rural District Councils (RDCs). 352 ZRP sites were connected to the internet, strengthening public service delivery and administrative efficiency. Our ICT for People with Disabilities initiative ensured that inclusion remained at the heart of digital transformation. 52 institutions were connected to the internet, 68 received ICT gadgets and assistive software, and training workshops empowered more than six hundred persons with disabilities with essential digital skills,” said Dr Machengete. He added that US$2,5million was invested in funding the Telemedicine Project, while over 1 000 health facilities were connected to the internet. POTRAZ also trained 200 innovators and provided 100 projects with funding.
“In the health sector, 1 219 health institutions were connected to the internet, while the telemedicine project was funded to the tune of over US2,5million, revolutionising healthcare delivery and access. Innovation and capacity building remained key pillars of our mandate. Through the innovation drive, nearly 100 innovation projects were funded, while more than 200 innovators were trained in entrepreneurship, and 40 students have since received scholarships to pursue technology-related degrees at local universities.
“The establishment of the National Innovation Acceleration Centre positioned Zimbabwe as one of only 18 countries globally recognised by the International Telecommunication union for leadership in innovation ecosystem development,” he said. Dr Machengete said POTRAZ carried out awareness campaigns on digital and online safety to educate the general populace which resulted in the authority being awarded the most open public organisation.
“The authority has also conducted several sensitisation and awareness programmes around cyber security and data protection, complementing the traditional consumer education and awareness programs which the authority uses to educate consumers on various issues ranging from the complaints handling procedure, consumer rights and responsibilities as well as child online protection, among others. These robust awareness campaigns have seen the authority being recognised as the most open public institution in Zimbabwe by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). This new strategy must be ambitious yet realistic, visionary yet grounded, innovative yet inclusive. It must anticipate future disruptions and build resilience into our systems,” he said.
