The director-general of Zimbabwe’s Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ), Dr Gift Machengete, has urged regulators worldwide to adopt inclusive, flexible governance frameworks as new technologies rapidly outpace traditional regulation.
Speaking at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr Machengete highlighted the growing challenge of balancing innovation with public protection, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“At POTRAZ, we see balancing innovation with public protection as a central challenge,” he said. “That is why we have moved from passive oversight to proactive innovation stewardship, guided by adaptive policy experimentation, evidence-based regulation and multi-stakeholder engagement.”
Dr Machengete pointed to the establishment of the National Innovation Acceleration Centre (NIAC), developed in collaboration with the ITU, as a platform for testing regulatory approaches in real-world environments. “Through foresight, sandboxing and co-creation, we can trial policies before they are formally enacted,” he noted.
He emphasized the importance of evidence-based regulation, supported by POTRAZ’s Research and Development department, which funds ICT studies in partnership with universities, publishes the POTRAZ ICT Research Journal, and tracks global technology trends. “This allows us to safeguard consumer rights, protect data privacy and promote trust in digital platforms, while also fostering entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.
Dr Machengete also underlined the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration, stressing that regulation is most effective when co-created with those it directly impacts, particularly start-ups and entrepreneurs.
On sustainability, he added that governance must align with global development goals and climate resilience. “Sustainability in governance goes beyond technology, it speaks to resilience, inclusivity and alignment with global priorities,” he said.
The ITU Global Symposium for Regulators convenes policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders worldwide to explore strategies for shaping the future of digital economies.
