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Natasha Chamba, Business Reporter
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has called on all innovators across the country to utilise funding under its “innovative drive”, a programme meant to unlock business opportunity from information and communication technology (ICT) start-ups.

According to Potraz, the drive is meant to empower innovators that are making technological advancements in various sectors, whilst creating employment and boosting economic growth. The initiative was one of the first programmes under the 100 day initiative by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Speaking during the ICT innovators workshop on business proposal preparation and protection of intellectual property rights in Bulawayo, Potraz head of ICT, Mr Tichafa Mujuru, said their first call attracted 188 applications and that only six got funding while the rest could not qualify due to lack of proposal writing skill and knowledge.

“During the first call we got up to 188 proposals and only six managed to make the cut. It is not because these innovators do not have brilliant ideas but they lack knowledge and skill in perfecting their ideas and executing them both on paper and also presenting them,” he said.

The first round of the innovation drive closed in March this year and Potraz launched the second one in April. Potraz head of marketing and international relations, Mrs Sibonginkosi Muteyiwa, said for the second call proposals will be evaluated continuously and evaluated as they are received.

“The second call is different from the first one in that there is continuous evaluation and this is done every month and proposals are evaluated as they are submitted to Potraz,” she said.

“Successful proposals will be announced every month. Those who would have lost should not lose heart as unsuccessful proposals will be corrected so the applicant can make corrections and resubmit for further consideration.”

Mrs Muteyiwa could not disclose how much has been set aside under the scheme saying there was no fixed amount. Under this initiative, Potraz gives loans to innovators at a three percent interest rate per month payable in 36 months.

Earlier in his address Potraz acting director general, Mr Alfred Marisa, said Potraz was forging ahead with its infrastructure sharing thrust among other programmes.

“The infrastructure sharing is under a legal framework and every provider must do so as stipulated by the law. Failure to do so legal action should be taken,” he said. — @queentauruszw