The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is at the forefront of fostering digital transformation in the country, with a particular focus on ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind.
As the regulator of the ICT sector, POTRAZ plays a critical role in creating an enabling environment through research and development (R&D) efforts. This article explores how POTRAZ, under the leadership of Professor Maxwell Zandada, Deputy Director of Research and Development, is driving ICT innovations and regulating the industry with a clear vision of achieving nationwide digital inclusivity.
POTRAZ’s R&D department is tasked with generating the scientific knowledge and evidence necessary to formulate effective regulatory frameworks. According to Professor Zandada, research is essential in ensuring that the regulation of the ICT sector is both efficient and effective. With digital transformation at the heart of Zimbabwe’s development agenda, POTRAZ recognizes that research plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that support growth, innovation, and inclusivity.
One of the key areas of research and focus is the development of Community Information Centers (CICs). These centers, strategically placed across the country, provide infrastructure such as computers and internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The goal is to empower these communities by providing them with the tools needed to engage in online business, learning, and communication, thereby bridging the digital divide.
POTRAZ has also made significant strides in improving connectivity in remote areas through infrastructure sharing among telecom operators. By encouraging shared use of ICT infrastructure, the regulator ensures that underserved areas gain access to internet and telecommunications services. This initiative is a key part of ensuring that connectivity reaches even the most remote corners of Zimbabwe, allowing people in rural areas to access opportunities that were previously out of reach.
One of the notable recent developments is the issuance of a license to Starlink, a global satellite internet provider, which will enhance connectivity in rural areas. This initiative is expected to drastically improve internet access, particularly in areas that have been historically difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure. The goal is to create equal opportunities for all Zimbabweans by ensuring that everyone can be part of the digital economy.
Recognizing that access to technology is only one part of the solution, POTRAZ has also placed emphasis on improving digital skills, particularly in marginalized groups. The regulator has implemented programs aimed at training people living with disabilities, ensuring they have the skills necessary to fully participate in the digital world. Additionally, POTRAZ sponsors disadvantaged schools, particularly in rural areas, by providing them with computers and other essential infrastructure. These efforts ensure that both teachers and learners are equipped to develop vital digital skills, which are becoming increasingly essential in today’s economy.
POTRAZ is not only focusing on regulation but also actively engaging with academic institutions to drive ICT research. The organization collaborates with universities, colleges, and polytechnics to fund research projects and publish academic papers through its ICT research journal. This collaboration aims to create a strong research base that can inform regulatory decisions and support the development of innovative ICT solutions.
The launch of POTRAZ’s new ICT research journal is a significant milestone in this effort, providing a platform for academics to contribute to the growth of the sector. In addition, POTRAZ supports undergraduate and postgraduate students whose research focuses on ICT, further promoting research and innovation in the sector. The collaboration between academia and industry is a crucial step toward accelerating digital transformation in Zimbabwe.
POTRAZ’s initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Zimbabwe achieves full digital transformation. By focusing on marginalized communities, promoting infrastructure sharing, supporting research, and investing in digital skills development, POTRAZ is creating the conditions necessary for widespread digital inclusion. The regulator’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is helping to create a more equitable digital landscape in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, POTRAZ’s role in regulating the ICT sector through R&D is essential for the country’s digital future. Through strategic investments in connectivity, skills development, and collaboration with academia, POTRAZ is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative ICT environment. As Zimbabwe continues on its journey toward digital transformation, POTRAZ’s efforts will remain central to achieving this vision.
