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Zimbabwe steps up home-grown smart traffic management system
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Zimbabwe is set to accelerate the nationwide deployment of a locally developed Smart Traffic Management System aimed at curbing road traffic violations and improving public safety, a government minister has announced.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the system is designed to detect a wide range of traffic offences - from red-light violations and speeding to illegal parking, wrong-way driving, and failure to wear seatbelts.
"The system is capable of identifying vehicle owners through captured images and integrated databases from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and the Civil Registry," Dr Muswere said. "It then notifies violators and enables them to review evidence of the offence."
The system's broad functionality also includes detection of improper lane changes, failure to obey road signs, and other common traffic violations. In addition, it will support broader public safety operations such as crowd monitoring, loitering detection, and pickpocketing prevention.
The initiative builds on the success of a pilot project launched in 2020 and deployed more extensively during the Covid-19 lockdowns. With Cabinet having approved a phased national rollout, the system will first be implemented in Harare and Bulawayo, before being extended to other urban centres.
Developed by state-owned telecoms provider TelOne, the Smart Traffic Management System is tailored to address Zimbabwe's unique traffic enforcement challenges. It integrates advanced technologies including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, AI-powered video analytics, traffic signal optimisation, and automated fine enforcement.
"This innovative system utilises Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety, and transparency," said Dr Muswere.
To ensure effective implementation, the government will monitor several enabling factors including stable power supply, reliable internet connectivity, strong institutional integration, and a dedicated governance framework. Specialised traffic courts will also be established to expedite the processing of violations identified by the system.
Dr Muswere noted that beyond improving road discipline, the system is expected to drive local innovation, knowledge transfer, and national self-reliance.
"This is not just a traffic solution; it's a symbol of Zimbabwe's capacity to develop home-grown technologies that meet our specific needs. It aligns with our broader Safe City agenda, which seeks to leverage local innovation to strengthen urban management and public safety."
The Smart Traffic Management System is expected to significantly reduce road accidents, ease congestion, and foster a culture of accountability on Zimbabwe's roads.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the system is designed to detect a wide range of traffic offences - from red-light violations and speeding to illegal parking, wrong-way driving, and failure to wear seatbelts.
"The system is capable of identifying vehicle owners through captured images and integrated databases from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and the Civil Registry," Dr Muswere said. "It then notifies violators and enables them to review evidence of the offence."
The system's broad functionality also includes detection of improper lane changes, failure to obey road signs, and other common traffic violations. In addition, it will support broader public safety operations such as crowd monitoring, loitering detection, and pickpocketing prevention.
The initiative builds on the success of a pilot project launched in 2020 and deployed more extensively during the Covid-19 lockdowns. With Cabinet having approved a phased national rollout, the system will first be implemented in Harare and Bulawayo, before being extended to other urban centres.
"This innovative system utilises Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to enhance traffic flow, road safety, and transparency," said Dr Muswere.
To ensure effective implementation, the government will monitor several enabling factors including stable power supply, reliable internet connectivity, strong institutional integration, and a dedicated governance framework. Specialised traffic courts will also be established to expedite the processing of violations identified by the system.
Dr Muswere noted that beyond improving road discipline, the system is expected to drive local innovation, knowledge transfer, and national self-reliance.
"This is not just a traffic solution; it's a symbol of Zimbabwe's capacity to develop home-grown technologies that meet our specific needs. It aligns with our broader Safe City agenda, which seeks to leverage local innovation to strengthen urban management and public safety."
The Smart Traffic Management System is expected to significantly reduce road accidents, ease congestion, and foster a culture of accountability on Zimbabwe's roads.
Source - The Herald
