Zimbabwe to Register Every Citizen’s Cellphone
Zimbabwe to Register Every Citizen’s Cellphone – As mobile phone use continues to grow across Zimbabwe, authorities are preparing to implement tighter controls to address the surge in cybercrime.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has proposed a new initiative requiring every handset in the country to be registered, regardless of the SIM card it carries.
The plan involves the creation of a Central Equipment Identification Database (CEID) — a live platform that tracks all mobile phones and enables authorities and network providers to block any devices reported as stolen or lost. This move, Potraz says, will protect both personal data and the rapidly expanding mobile financial services sector from fraud and identity theft.
“This isn’t about surveillance,” said Potraz’s Competition and Standards Manager, Engineer Hasha Myambo. “It’s about security. We want to safeguard consumers who rely on mobile devices for transactions, banking, and other services.”
Currently, mobile operators are only required to register SIM cards. However, Potraz is advocating for a complementary policy that targets handsets themselves — a system already used successfully in countries like South Africa and Kenya.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Public Confidence
Eng. Myambo emphasized that registering mobile phones using their unique IMEI numbers would make it nearly impossible for criminals to use stolen devices, thereby reducing mobile-related crimes. He believes this will restore public trust in mobile financial systems and discourage phone theft.
Collaboration Over Control
Unlike past top-down regulatory efforts, Potraz is embracing a collaborative approach, engaging law enforcement, financial institutions, ICT stakeholders, and mobile networks. The goal is to craft a unified national strategy that integrates ICT growth with public safety.
No Rollout Date Yet
While discussions are ongoing, a specific launch date for the CEID system has not been announced. Still, Potraz is confident that the initiative could become a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
Despite potential concerns over privacy and logistics, officials insist the move is crucial in securing the digital ecosystem.
