HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Government of Zimbabwe has greenlit the full-scale rollout of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, a locally developed initiative designed to modernise the country’s road safety and traffic enforcement through cutting-edge technologies.
Speaking at a post-cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere confirmed that Cabinet had approved the nationwide deployment of the system, which was initially piloted under the Safe City Project during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The government is set to accelerate the implementation of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System, after Cabinet had approved rolling out of a Proof of Concept in 2020 which was subsequently utilised during the COVID-19 period and thereafter,” Muswere said.
Developed by state-owned telecom operator TelOne, the system is part of Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda and aims to tackle increasing road congestion, rising accident rates, and poor enforcement of traffic laws in urban centres.
“This innovative system utilises advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety and transparency,” he added.
The solution features AI-powered surveillance cameras with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) and facial recognition, enabling real-time monitoring of roads and intersections. The data collected is analysed at central command and control centres, where violations are processed, offenders identified, and digital notices issued.
Key partners in the system’s implementation include the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and the Civil Registry. Integration with these national databases allows the technology to accurately match traffic offenders with vehicle registration and identification records.
Violations captured include:
Speeding
Red-light offences
Disobeying stop signs
Wrong-way driving
Illegal parking
Driving without valid documents
“The system detects a wide range of traffic infractions and notifies violators with access to visual evidence of their offences. This helps reduce corruption by promoting transparency and discouraging bribe-seeking behaviour,” Muswere explained.
Beyond road traffic enforcement, the platform also extends into broader law enforcement, assisting police with urban surveillance, monitoring criminal behaviour such as loitering, pickpocketing, and unauthorised public gatherings.
The phased rollout will begin in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s largest metropolitan areas, before spreading to other key urban centres. This phased approach is intended to allow necessary infrastructure upgrades and system integration before going nationwide.
Authorities have acknowledged the critical role of enablers such as reliable electricity supply, high-speed internet connectivity, and the formation of specialised traffic courts to fast-track cases and ensure swift justice.
Muswere also emphasised the developmental benefits of a locally driven solution.
“This localised approach is expected to foster knowledge transfer, skills development, and national pride while promoting self-reliance and sustainability,” he said.
The announcement comes at a time when Zimbabwe faces a rise in traffic-related fatalities and congestion in major cities. A modern traffic enforcement system is expected to contribute significantly to reducing accidents and improving compliance with traffic laws.
While some observers have welcomed the move as a step toward smart city transformation, others have urged the government to ensure data privacy, transparency, and affordable access for citizens who may need to contest violations.
As the first phase launches in the coming months, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of the system in reducing lawlessness on the roads and ushering in a new era of digital law enforcement in Zimbabwe.
