*Mutapa Investment Fund Backs Phase 1 of Zimbabwe’s Smart Traffic Management System*

By Ross Moyo

*Mutapa Investment Fund Backs Phase 1 of Zimbabwe’s Smart Traffic Management System*

The Mutapa Investment Fund has committed funding for the rollout of Phase 1 of Zimbabwe’s Home-Grown Smart Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS), which will be implemented at 20 sites in Harare. This initiative marks a significant step toward leveraging technology to enhance road safety, reduce corruption, and modernize urban traffic control under the government’s Safe City Project.

Formerly Zimbabwe’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mutapa Investment Fund now oversees numerous state-owned entities, including TelOne, NetOne, and POSB. According to government spokesperson Nick Mangwana, the Fund’s backing of this project is a strategic investment in infrastructure development with national benefits.

“This is a government project, implemented by a quasi-government entity (TelOne), and funded by a quasi-government fund (Mutapa),” Mangwana said during a Cabinet briefing.

*Tackling Road Lawlessness and Enhancing Safety*
The ETMS, developed in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other government departments, aims to combat road carnage and indiscipline, particularly from public transport operators. The system uses a combination of automated enforcement, surveillance technology, and data analytics to monitor and manage traffic flow, reduce accidents, and deter reckless driving.

Key features include:
* Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
* AI-powered video analytics
* Smart sensors and real-time traffic data processing
* Integration with ZINARA and CVR databases for enforcement

These capabilities will enable real-time detection of traffic violations, such as speeding, red-light infractions, illegal lane changes, and failure to obey road signs.

*National Rollout and Economic Impact*
The project will roll out in phases, starting in Harare and expanding to Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Kadoma, and Victoria Falls. This phased approach allows the system to be tested, refined, and scaled efficiently. Revenue generated from early implementations will fund further expansion, reducing reliance on external financing.

The system is expected to deliver multiple benefits:
* Improved public safety and reduced fatalities
* Data-driven road planning and infrastructure development
* Increased insurance industry viability due to fewer accident claims
* Minimized corruption through reduced human interface

Additionally, the technology has crime management capabilities, such as detecting crowd gatherings, pickpocketing, and loitering—extending its utility beyond traffic control into broader public safety management.

*A Homegrown, Strategic Solution*
Developed by TelOne, the system exemplifies the Education 5.0 ethos—blending innovation, research, and community development. It taps into local skills and promotes national self-reliance. By keeping development and data management in-country, the project ensures data sovereignty, boosts employment, and supports economic growth.

This smart solution offers a transformative path for Zimbabwe’s transport sector, promising safer roads, transparent enforcement, and a more efficient urban experience. Cabinet’s greenlight on June 17, 2025, has set the wheels in motion for a new era of intelligent traffic management