Zimbabwe: Drones for road safety, a technological milestone for Harare

In an unprecedented move, Zimbabwean police are set to introduce the use of drones in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) to enhance road safety and combat the growing chaos of urban traffic. This measure is part of a new Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS), marking a major step toward modernizing traffic regulation in the country.

According to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, the drones will complement existing surveillance cameras, expanding monitoring capabilities within a 20-kilometer radius around the city center. This technology will allow for quicker and more accurate identification of traffic offenders, enabling stricter enforcement of road regulations.

The reform comes as Harare struggles with severe traffic congestion, fueled by the proliferation of taxis and “kombis” operating illegally. Reckless driving behaviors—such as unauthorized stops, wrong-way driving, and the creation of informal lanes—are disrupting traffic flow and endangering road users. Already, 290 motorists have been penalized based on evidence from surveillance footage.

Beyond enforcement, this technological shift has strategic implications: it signals the beginning of a more structured and secure urban development approach—one that could attract investors and enhance the image of a modern state. With plans to expand the initiative to Bulawayo and other cities, the government is clearly committed to implementing a technology-driven, orderly model of urban management.