Harare's AI traffic camera network expands as 16 surveillance sites go live

HARARE – Motorists in Harare are being urged to familiarise themselves with Zimbabwe's Highway Code after authorities confirmed that 16 intelligent traffic surveillance camera sites are now operational across the capital under the first phase of the country's smart traffic management programme. The surveillance network forms part of a broader national initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, with TelOne serving as the project's technology partner.

Speaking at TelOne's 12th Annual General Meeting in Harare last Friday, chief executive officer Lawrence Nkala said installation of the first phase has progressed substantially, with cameras now actively monitoring traffic at major intersections.

"In terms of progress under phase one, there are 20 sites in Harare, and we do have cameras that have been mounted on poles at various intersections," Nkala said.

He said infrastructure installation has been completed at all 20 planned locations, with most sites already transmitting live data.

"We have got 20 sites, and in terms of implementation, the 20 sites are done, and cameras have been deployed. We currently have 16 live sites," he said.

Motorists travelling along Samora Machel Avenue are already encountering the surveillance cameras, which are recording traffic violations in real time.

"As you travel along Samora Machel into town, obviously, you encounter cameras, and we are already getting violations," Nkala added.

The AI-powered traffic enforcement system is designed to detect a range of road traffic offences, including speeding, failure to obey traffic lights, illegal turns, failure to give way and other dangerous driving behaviours. Authorities say the cameras will also assist police by providing digital evidence for crash investigations and prosecution of traffic offences. The expansion of intelligent traffic monitoring comes as Zimbabwe seeks to modernise road safety enforcement through technology while reducing congestion and improving compliance with traffic laws.

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives globally each year, with speeding, distracted driving and failure to obey traffic regulations among the leading causes of serious accidents. The WHO recommends the use of automated enforcement technologies, including speed and red-light cameras, as effective tools for improving road safety. Nkala urged motorists to adjust their driving habits and ensure they understand the provisions of Zimbabwe's Highway Code before travelling through areas covered by the surveillance system.

The rollout of smart traffic cameras is expected to continue beyond Harare as government expands the programme to other urban centres under future implementation phases. Officials believe technology-driven enforcement will play a critical role in reducing road traffic accidents, improving compliance with road regulations and supporting safer, more efficient transport systems across Zimbabwe.

Harare AI traffic cameras