Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
IN A bid to enhance operational efficiency within Zimbabwe’s burgeoning Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) is advocating for unified regulation.
This would encompass the entire gamut of ICT services, including both postal and telecommunications as well as broadcasting services.
The call for consolidated regulation comes in response to the evolving landscape of the ICT industry, characterised by a trend towards technical convergence, the liberalisation of markets, and a shift away from the traditional perception of communication networks and services as mere public utilities.
Globally, integrated regulation is increasingly becoming the norm, distinguished by its capacity to simplify and harmonise processes related to licensing, oversight, and governance in the ICT realm, all while staying abreast of rapid technological progress.
Speaking to The Financial Gazette during the Zimbabwe Annual Telecommunications Conference, Deputy Director General of Potraz, Alfred Marisa emphasised the potential benefits of such regulatory consolidation for attracting investments.
“A unified regulatory framework would eliminate the current compartmentalization of services, allowing companies to offer a comprehensive suite of services,” Marisa explained.
Presently, businesses are required to obtain separate licenses for broadcasting and telecommunications, navigating a complex landscape of multiple regulatory authorities.
Marisa further highlighted the inefficiencies this fragmentation presents, particularly in terms of investment appeal.
“The convergence of technologies necessitates a parallel convergence in regulatory approaches to ensure the efficient use of existing infrastructure and equipment,” he added.
Drawing parallels with regional counterparts, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) stands as a testament to the efficacy of such an integrated regulatory framework.
ICASA’s oversight has been instrumental in elevating South Africa to a leading position in the competitive ICT sector on the continent.
Efficiency, however, is not the sole advantage of this approach.
“While it introduces certain complexities, the overarching benefit lies in the coordination it facilitates, particularly as we explore innovative service delivery methods like ICTs over power lines,” remarked Marisa.
He underscored the significance of regulatory harmony, especially considering Zimbabwe’s nascent regulatory environment.
“The focus is on what benefits the nation. Our regulatory system is still in its infancy, which minimizes the impact on personnel as we transition towards this unified model,” he added.
The private sector’s role in bolstering Zimbabwe’s IT industry cannot be overstated. With an estimated value of US$3,11 billion in 2017, marking a 21,7 percent increase from the previous year, the sector’s growth trajectory is impressive.
The telecommunications domain, valued at approximately US$3,2 billion, dominates the sector, supplemented by broadcasting, data centre services, cloud computing, IT, and Business Process Outsourcing.
The consolidation of regulatory oversight is poised to further catalyse this upward trend.
