The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has announced the launch of the Doctoral ICT Research Grants program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry. This move aligns with POTRAZ’s mandate to promote research and development in Zimbabwe’s ICT sector, ensuring that policy and technical innovations contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Empowering Researchers for a Digital Future
The new grants will support registered doctoral students, academic staff at accredited universities, and post-doctoral researchers affiliated with Zimbabwean institutions. The initiative is designed to enhance research capacity, stimulate technological innovation, and provide data-driven insights for policy formulation and industry advancement.
Research at the doctoral level is a critical investment in knowledge creation, particularly in fast-evolving fields like ICT. By funding impactful research projects, POTRAZ seeks to bridge the gap between academic findings and real-world applications, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains competitive in the digital economy.
Focus Areas for Research
The program is divided into two broad research clusters:
- Policy Research – This cluster targets fundamental issues affecting ICT regulation and development, including:
- Data protection and cybersecurity
- ICT innovation and entrepreneurship
- Universal access to telecommunications services
- Emerging technologies in key economic sectors
- Regulation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
- Technical Research – This cluster focuses on tangible solutions that address industry challenges. Priority themes include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and blockchain applications in telecommunications
- Cybersecurity solutions using frontier technologies
- 5G development and rural connectivity
- Digital services in sectors like health, agriculture, and transportation
- Smart water management and intelligent transportation systems
Eligibility and Application Guidelines
Eligible applicants must submit competitive project proposals aligned with the specified research themes. Proposals should include a clear research problem, objectives, methodology, and implementation plan. Key criteria for selection include scalability, impact potential, and alignment with Zimbabwe’s ICT priorities.
Applicants should note that retroactive funding is not available, and proposals must not have received prior funding from POTRAZ or other institutions. Additionally, costs related to fees, salaries, or stipends will not be covered under the grant.
Submission and Review Process
The deadline for submitting research proposals is April 4, 2025. A Review Committee will assess submissions, with notifications of acceptance sent by May 2, 2025. Interested researchers should send their proposals to research.development@potraz.zw.
This initiative by POTRAZ represents a major step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s ICT research landscape. By investing in academic research, the country can expect significant advancements in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, ensuring that technology continues to drive economic growth and social development.
