In a move underscoring Zimbabwe’s growing influence on the global digital stage, President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly endorsed Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for re-election when the post becomes available in November 2026.
The endorsement came during a courtesy meeting at State House attended by senior ICT leaders, including Minister Tatenda Mavetera, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and the Deputy Director of POTRAZ. Dr. Zavazava was seeking the backing of the highest office in the land to strengthen both national and regional support for his candidacy.
Following the meeting, Dr. Zavazava expressed gratitude for the President’s support and outlined a vision to accelerate Zimbabwe’s digital transformation. He emphasized the integration of digital technologies across industries, stronger investment in the ICT sector, and the creation of an “enabling environment” through robust policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks.
“Zimbabwe has a very proactive and favourable environment,” Dr. Zavazava said. “It is critical that our regulator is agile, flexible, and innovative to attract investment and demonstrate returns, particularly in rural and remote areas.”
Minister Mavetera highlighted the significance of Dr. Zavazava’s visit, noting that it reinforces his commitment to Zimbabwe. She pointed to the ITU’s contributions to national initiatives, including the Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Centre and the establishment of the Disaster Management Office, as examples of the organization’s impact on local development.
Analysts view the endorsement as a strategic move to position Zimbabwe as a key player in international telecommunications governance. By supporting Dr. Zavazava’s re-election bid, Zimbabwe signals its intention to influence ICT policies and innovation frameworks at both regional and global levels, while advancing its domestic digital economy.
As the country continues to expand digital infrastructure and literacy, the backing of a Zimbabwean in a leading ITU role is seen as a potential catalyst for increased investment, technological advancement, and connectivity across the nation.
