Govt courts global capital markets

CLOUDINE MATOLA

Government has made a calculated pitch to global capital markets, opening up Zimbabwe’s telecommunications and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors to investors while committing to a more predictable, investor-friendly regulatory regime designed to unlock billions of dollars for digital infrastructure and long-term economic transformation, Business Times can report.

Speaking at the 3rd Business Times Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference in Harare on Wednesday, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, said Zimbabwe is actively seeking both capital and strategic partnerships to accelerate the rollout of critical digital infrastructure.

“Allow me to speak directly to investors and strategic partners present today, Zimbabwe is open for business in the digital economy,” Mavetera said, in what industry analysts describe as one of the clearest investment signals yet from Government in the ICT sector.

“We invite investment and partnerships in national and metropolitan fibre backbone infrastructure, data centres and cloud infrastructure, next-generation mobile networks, including 4G expansion and 5G readiness, rural connectivity and universal access solutions, artificial intelligence platforms, and digital innovation ecosystems.

“We recognise the importance of long-term patient capital in building resilient infrastructure and are committed to collaborating with partners at all levels to unlock these opportunities,” she said.

Mavetera said the new investment thrust is anchored on a clear policy doctrine that investment follows certainty, innovation follows flexibility, and growth follows alignment between policy and capital.

To underpin this, Government has pledged a series of reforms aimed at de-risking investment and enhancing sector competitiveness. These include strengthening regulatory clarity and consistency, improving transparency in spectrum management, promoting infrastructure sharing to reduce costs, expanding public–private partnerships for large-scale projects, and introducing more adaptive, innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is expected to play a central role in implementing these reforms.

The investment push comes as Zimbabwe rolls out its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), which is expected to trigger significant demand for advanced digital infrastructure and computing capacity.

Government has identified key sectors for AI deployment, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services, a move set to deepen demand for data centres, high-speed connectivity, and cloud-based platforms.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to transform the telecommunications sector itself, particularly in areas such as network optimisation, cybersecurity, customer engagement, and the development of new digital business models.

Mavetera said Zimbabwe’s ambition is to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, where technology drives productivity, inclusivity, and enterprise growth.

“Our vision is to create a Zimbabwe where telecommunications foster enterprise growth, digital services enhance inclusivity, and technology improves productivity. We are also strengthening the postal and courier sector to support e-commerce and position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for digital innovation,” she said.

“None of these ambitions can be realised without a robust, predictable, and forward-looking policy and regulatory environment. As Government, we recognise fundamental investment principles: investment follows certainty, innovation follows flexibility, and growth follows alignment between policy and capital.”

Beyond infrastructure, Government is also prioritising digital inclusion and human capital development as part of its transformation agenda.

Mavetera said initiatives such as the Digital Skills Ambassadors Programme, the 1.5 Million Coders Initiative, and the Cyberus Cybersecurity Training Programme are aimed at building a digitally literate workforce capable of driving local innovation and productivity.

“Our digital transformation agenda focuses on ensuring that no segment of society is left behind. We are committed to broad-based participation in the digital economy and equipping citizens to engage with emerging technologies,” she said.

In tandem, Government is moving to tighten online safety regulations, particularly for minors.

“The Zimbabwe Child Online Protection Policy, which is awaiting approval, alongside legislation we are proposing, seeks to restrict social media access for certain age groups in order to protect minors from exploitation and cyberbullying,” Mavetera added.

Industry leaders say the sector is entering a structural shift, with telecommunications evolving from basic connectivity to a strategic economic enabler.

AB Communications Group Managing Director Engineer Jeremiah Munembe said telecoms infrastructure now sits at the centre of economic transformation, innovation, and industrial development.

“Telecommunications is no longer just about connecting people. It is now strategic infrastructure, powering economies, enabling innovation, and shaping the future of every sector,” Engineer Munembe said.

“This conference has been deliberately designed as a high-level thought leadership platform, not merely to interrogate the present, but to actively shape the future of the ICT and telecommunications ecosystem.

“The central question before us is simple but profound, how do we move from connectivity to capability? How do we build intelligent, resilient networks that not only connect but create value, drive industries, and accelerate inclusive growth?”

Eng Munembe said the discussions were aligned not only with national priorities but also with broader African ambitions and global technological shifts, particularly the transition towards platform-based business models and AI-driven ecosystems.

As investment momentum builds, regulators have issued a strong warning on compliance, particularly around data governance.

The POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete, represented by Deputy Director Evidence Mazhindu, cautioned that companies engaging in cross-border data transfers without regulatory notification face severe penalties.

“Companies that conduct cross-border data transfers without notifying POTRAZ risk significant sanctions. The chief executive officer could face a jail term of up to seven years,” he warned.