Key Innovations in Zimbabwe's Traffic Control Technology
- A team of six second-year University of Zimbabwe (UZ) computer engineering and informatics students have developed a smart traffic signalling system to address urban congestion.
- The innovation, called "The Smart Traffic Management System," uses artificial intelligence to adjust traffic signals based on real-time vehicle density.
- This project is a product of UZ's Innovation Hub, established as part of the country's Education 5.0 initiative focused on modernization and industrialization.
- The system aims to improve traffic flow in Zimbabwe's cities, where the number of registered vehicles increased by 6.9% to 1,467,955 in 2022.
- The students plan to license their system as a start-up, showcasing UZ's new focus on entrepreneurship and practical innovation.
- This innovation aligns with Zimbabwe's vision of becoming a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy by 2030.
UZ Innovation Hub Tackles Zimbabwe's Urban Traffic Challenges
In a significant step towards addressing urban congestion, a team of six University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students has developed a smart traffic management system that could revolutionize traffic flow in the country’s cities. This innovation emerges from UZ’s vibrant Innovation Hub, established as part of Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 initiative, which aims to drive the nation towards modernization and industrialization.
AI-Powered Traffic Signaling: A Solution for Harare's Congestion
The “Smart Traffic Management System,” developed by second-year BSc Computer Engineering, Informatics and Communication students, uses artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust traffic signals based on real-time vehicle density.
Tatenda Nyakudziguma, the team leader, explains: “On our congested roads here in Harare, it is usually seen that the traffic on the side of the road where we are traveling is crowded and the opposite side is almost empty but the green signal is given for the same period for every direction without assigning any priority. This current traffic signalling system is inefficient in terms of time allocation.”
The system employs cameras and count sensors attached to major traffic signals, sending live feed to a control room. This data is then used to adjust signal timings, potentially reducing congestion and minimizing delays. The team plans to run trials at the junction of UZ Road and Churchill Avenue.
Zimbabwe's Growing Vehicle Population: The Need for Smart Traffic Solutions
The innovation comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe’s urban centers. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), the number of registered vehicles in the country reached 1,467,955 in 2022, a 6.9% increase from 2021.
This growth, coupled with the expansion of informal public transport and increased use of private cars over the past three decades, has led to significant congestion in major cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Mutare, and Masvingo.
UZ's Transformation: Aligning Innovation with National Development Goals
This project exemplifies the University of Zimbabwe’s recent transformation under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Mapfumo. As he states, “The nation of Zimbabwe wants to be a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy. The role of universities and other higher education institutions is to be at the center of this.”
The smart traffic system aligns perfectly with UZ’s new focus on research, innovation, and industrialization. Prof. Mapfumo explains, “We came up with innovation hubs and the development of industrial parks that are run from university-based research and innovation breakthroughs. This would then generate new companies, businesses, industries, and opportunities for communities to drive their own economic activities.”
From Classroom to Start-up: UZ Students' Entrepreneurial Journey
Reflecting UZ’s new emphasis on entrepreneurship, the student team plans to license their smart traffic management system as a start-up. This approach resonates with Prof. Mapfumo’s vision: “Our students and graduates are now preoccupied with the idea of having to start their own businesses, which are startups that we’re supporting through the innovation hubs and industrial parks.”
Kudakwashe Muzari, a team member, expressed their readiness: “We are ready to take off and implement it and reduce congestion on our roads.” The team has already tested the system through online simulation and is eager to move towards real-world implementation.
Government and University Support for Innovation in Traffic Management
The project has received strong support from the university administration. Prof. Florence Mtambanengwe, UZ executive director of research innovation, stated: “We are very grateful that the Government has invested heavily in the construction of the UZ Innovation hub to promote innovation and research that addresses the country’s pressing problems.
We are so happy that our young and talented minds are now harnessing scientific approaches and technology to help the country attain industrialisation and build a critical knowledge capital and relevant skills.”
Smart Traffic Solutions: Paving the Way for Zimbabwe's Urban Development
The Smart Traffic Management System developed by UZ students represents a significant step towards addressing urban congestion in Zimbabwe. It showcases the potential of local innovation in solving pressing national issues and aligns with the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
As these young innovators move towards commercializing their research product, they embody the University of Zimbabwe’s transformation into a hub of practical, solution-oriented innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more insights on the University of Zimbabwe’s transformation and focus on innovation, read the full interview with Prof Paul Mapfumo here: https://africalive.net/interview/prof-paul-mapfumo/
