Potraz shifts to enabling digital innovation
Zimbabwe's telecommunications regulator will now support AI businesses and entrepreneurship.
Zimbabwe's telecommunications regulator is changing its focus from controlling market entry to enabling digital businesses. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) aims to attract investment, promote entrepreneurship, and accelerate innovation. Potraz director-general Gift Machengete stated the authority is adopting a flexible, technology-neutral approach to support the digital economy, including emerging artificial intelligence (AI) businesses.
Machengete announced this shift at the Zimbabwe-India-Africa Tech & Entrepreneurship Summit 2026. He explained that Potraz's mandate has expanded beyond traditional telecommunications regulation. The authority will now also focus on expanding connectivity, protecting data, and supporting responsible AI adoption.
This regulatory shift is intended to foster growth in the digital sector. The new approach seeks to create an environment conducive to technological advancement and new business ventures within Zimbabwe.
Why it mattersZimbabwean businesses involved in digital innovation and AI will benefit from a more supportive regulatory environment.