AI Technology Boosts ZBC Licensing Compliance at Roadblocks

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has rolled out artificial intelligence–enabled licensing enforcement vans in a move aimed at improving compliance and strengthening coordination with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).

The smart enforcement vehicles are expected to significantly reduce congestion at roadblocks while boosting efficiency in the enforcement of radio licensing and vehicle compliance regulations.

Fitted with advanced AI-driven camera technology, the vans automatically scan vehicle number plates and instantly verify whether motorists hold valid ZBC radio licences, ZINARA licences, and VID certification. Vehicles that meet all requirements are allowed to pass through without stopping, while only those found to be non-compliant are flagged for inspection.

ZBC Head of Licensing, Mr Wisdom Samanyayi, said the innovation responds to long-standing enforcement loopholes.

“The system can instantly read number plates and confirm whether a vehicle has a valid ZBC licence or qualifies for an exemption. Previously, some motorists claimed exemption on the basis that their vehicles had no radios, only to later reinstall them. This technology allows inspectors and police officers to verify such claims accurately,” he said.

He added that the digital platform enhances transparency and accountability, as all enforcement activity is automatically logged and monitored.

The project is being implemented in partnership with 1010 Technologies, which highlighted efficiency, secure data handling, and revenue protection as key outcomes of the system.

Chief Executive Officer of 1010 Technologies, Mr Charles Wekwete, explained that the technology automatically captures compliance statistics as vehicles pass through checkpoints.

“If a thousand vehicles go through a checkpoint in one day, the system generates precise compliance data. That information becomes a permanent, tamper-proof record, ensuring revenue assurance and eliminating manipulation at both roadblock and backend levels,” he said.

He added that compliant motorists benefit from reduced inconvenience, as enforcement officers only stop vehicles that fall short of licensing or fitness requirements.

The system also identifies violations related to ZINARA licensing and roadworthiness standards, particularly for public service vehicles such as commuter omnibuses and buses.

ZBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sugar Chagonda, said the initiative is part of a wider institutional drive to modernise operations and improve service delivery.

“This innovation brings convenience to motorists while closing revenue leakages. It strengthens operational efficiency, and as ZBC we have deliberately committed ourselves to continuous retooling so that we build capacity and effectively deliver on our mandate,” he said.

Mr Chagonda also noted that the broadcaster has expanded its vehicle fleet to improve news coverage and ensure inclusive reporting of national development programmes across the country.

The launch of the AI-powered enforcement vans highlights the information sector’s growing embrace of technology-driven solutions, positioning ZBC to improve efficiency while continuing to inform, educate, and entertain the nation.