Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator, the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), is advocating for a new law that would mandate the registration of every mobile phone in the country—not just SIM cards. The aim is to gather and store each device’s unique identifier, the IMEI number, in a national database. The stated purpose? To combat cybercrime, enhance mobile transaction security, and prevent the re-use of stolen phones.
This kind of system already exists in countries like South Africa and Kenya, so at first glance, it may not seem controversial. However, Zimbabwe’s political environment casts a different light on the proposal. Many believe this isn’t just about fighting crime—it might be about exerting more control.
There is a documented history of surveillance in Zimbabwe. Not long ago, a broadcast on state television showed a ZANU-PF meeting where party officials allegedly claimed they had the capability to read WhatsApp messages. Regardless of whether that’s technically accurate, the implication was clear: “We’re watching you.” For many, this latest push for handset registration feels like another step in that same direction.
Some citizens recall past election periods when rumours circulated that biometric voter data could be used to track how individuals voted. Though those claims were untrue, they were effective enough to instill fear and encourage loyalty to the ruling party. Now, there are growing concerns that this proposed registration system could serve a similar function.
Even if one assumes good faith on the part of the government, the rationale remains questionable. Mobile network providers already collect IMEI numbers during SIM card registration and device purchases. So, why is there a need to create an entirely separate database? It appears unnecessary—unless there’s another, undisclosed reason behind it.
Ultimately, many Zimbabweans interpret this initiative as more about surveillance than public safety. Amid rising public frustration with the government, proposals like this only deepen existing mistrust. Whether the law is enacted or not, it has already sparked intense debate around privacy, government control, and the future of digital freedom in Zimbabwe.
