Staff Reporter
In a bold step towards modernising infrastructure and promoting inclusive development, the Government of Zimbabwe has approved two major initiatives that signal its commitment to smart cities and social transformation — the nationwide roll-out of a Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System and the launch of the National Gender Policy (2025).
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said Cabinet had approved the acceleration of the Smart Traffic Management System, developed by state-owned telecommunications giant TelOne under the Safe City Project.
“This system is designed to address unwarranted traffic congestion, road accidents and traffic law violations. It utilises advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, safety and enforcement,” said Dr Muswere.
The locally developed system was piloted during the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be rolled out in phases, starting with Harare and Bulawayo. Key components of the technology include Command and Control Centres, AI-enabled surveillance cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and facial recognition tools. The system will also automatically detect offences such as red-light running, speeding, illegal parking, and even pickpocketing or loitering.
“Captured images will be cross-referenced with databases from ZINARA, the Central Vehicle Registry and the Civil Registry. Offenders will receive real-time notifications and will be able to access digital evidence of violations,” Dr Muswere added.
The rollout will be supported by specialised traffic courts, stable internet, reliable energy supply, and integration with national systems. It is expected to significantly reduce traffic offences and boost public safety, while also fostering knowledge transfer and local capacity building.
Meanwhile, Dr Muswere also announced Cabinet’s approval of the National Gender Policy 2025, a transformative framework that aims to promote gender equality, social inclusion and women’s empowerment.
“This policy is grounded in our Constitution and informed by global, regional and continental frameworks. It recognises the diversity of our people and aims to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices around gender roles,” he said.
The policy outlines ten priority goals including gender-balanced leadership, access to education, economic empowerment, equal access to digital technologies, gender-based violence prevention, and climate resilience. It is guided by principles such as inclusion, non-discrimination, respect for culture, and accountability.
“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission will oversee the policy’s implementation to ensure real impact on the ground,” Dr Muswere stated.
Together, these two bold initiatives show Zimbabwe’s determination to build an inclusive, smart, and sustainable future — one where innovation meets equality and governance, serves both infrastructure and human dignity.
