Page 116 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of a platform for testing regulatory approaches in real-
Zimbabwe director-general Dr. Gift Machengete has world settings. “Through foresight, sandboxing and
urged regulators worldwide to embrace inclusive and co-creation, we can trial policies before they are
forward-looking governance models as emerging formally enacted,” he said. Dr. Machengete said that
Zimbabwe technologies outpace traditional regulation. Speaking at of paramount importance was the role of evidence-
based regulation, supported by POTRAZ’s Research
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global
Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. and Development department, which funds ICT studies
Machengete said regulators faced the challenge of with universities, publishes the POTRAZ ICT Research
balancing innovation with public protection, particularly Journal and tracks global technology trends. “This
in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain allows us to safeguard consumer rights, protect data
and the Internet of Things (IoT). “At POTRAZ, we see privacy and promote trust in digital platforms, while also
balancing innovation with public protection as a central fostering entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.
challenge,” he said. “That is why we have moved from He also said that multi-stakeholder collaboration was
passive oversight to proactive innovation stewardship, important. The ITU Global Symposium for Regulators
guided by adaptive policy experimentation, evidence- brings together policymakers, regulators and industry
based regulation and multi-stakeholder engagement.” leaders from around the world to explore strategies for
He pointed to the creation of the National Innovation shaping digital economies.
Acceleration Centre (NIAC), developed with ITU, as (September 5, 2025) www.heraldonline.co.zw

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