Zim to roll out home-grown Smart Traffic Management System to combat road chaos
Harare, (New Ziana) – In a bold step toward transforming the urban mobility and public safety, the Zimbabwe government has approved the nationwide acceleration of the Home-Grown Smart Traffic Management System under the Safe City Project spearheaded by TelOne.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said this during the post cabinet media briefing in the capital on Tuesday.
He said the system, developed locally and first piloted as a proof of concept in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, leverages cutting-edge technologies—namely Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics—to address rampant traffic congestion, road accidents, and traffic law violations.
Giving of the green light paves the way for the full-scale implementation of what is being hailed as a major milestone in the digital transformation journey of the country, he said.
The home-grown innovation is designed with Zimbabwe’s unique law enforcement and urban planning needs in mind as well as demonstrates the capacity of the country to locally develop and deploy high-impact technologies that promote safety, order, and modern governance.
At the core of the Smart Traffic Management System Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Face Recognition capabilities.
These devices feed data to centralised Command and Control Centres, which monitor traffic flow in real time, predict congestion patterns, and optimise traffic signal operations accordingly.
”The system is not only reactive but also proactive. With predictive analytics and AI-based video surveillance, it can identify and document a wide range of infractions speeding, red-light running, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, and more,” said Muswere, adding that the integration with national databases such as ZINARA, the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), and the Civil Registry allows for instant identification of vehicle owners.
He said offenders will receive instant notifications and have the ability to review video evidence of their violations, while mobile platforms enable them to pay fines remotely and stay updated on case statuses, drastically reduce bureaucracy and corruption in traffic law enforcement.
”Importantly, the system’s capabilities extend into broader crime prevention. It can detect loitering, pickpocketing, and crowd formation, enhancing overall urban safety under the Safe City mandate. In anticipation of the legal workload, specialised courts will be introduced to ensure timely justice delivery and reduced case backlogs,” said Muswere.
The roll-out will begin in Harare and Bulawayo, the nation’s two largest cities, before extending to other urban centres while for smooth execution, the government has committed to ensuring enabling conditions such as stable electricity supply, reliable internet connectivity, integrated digital platforms, and sound governance structures.
”The success of this initiative is a testament to what Zimbabwe can achieve through home-grown solutions. It’s not just about technology, it’s about building safer, smarter cities for our people,” added Muswere.
As implementation gets underway, citizens are being encouraged to embrace the system not just as a regulatory tool, but as a partner in building safer roads and communities.
New Ziana
