1.0 Background
The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) invites research proposals aimed at addressing issues of national interest that relate to postal and telecommunications development in Zimbabwe. This call for research proposals seeks to drive the development of affordable, accessible, ever-present, reliable ICT infrastructure, laws and systems that are fundamental to achieving an inclusive digital economy as outlined by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
2.0 Objectives of the Call
This call is aimed at identifying gaps in the development of ICTs in Zimbabwe and proffer solutions for addressing the gaps. The objectives of this Call include:
- To foster the development of broadband networks, applications and services, as well as the diffusion of related innovations, including the identification of barriers and pathways to broadband development in Zimbabwe.
- To identify solutions for enhancing broadband affordability.
- To foster content development.
- To enhance cyber-security in Zimbabwe.
- To contribute towards the adoption of Emerging Technologies such as Block chain, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality among other ICT technologies in Zimbabwe.
3.0 Areas of Research
Proposals should address issues in the Information and Communication Technology industry of Zimbabwe. Proposals may cover the following areas, inter-alia:
- Affordability of ICT services in Zimbabwe focusing on the cost of services versus income levels.
- Digital Literacy in Zimbabwe focusing on the assessment of National digital skills in line with the International Telecommunication Union Guidebook.
- Status of e-commerce in Zimbabwe focusing on scope, adoption, opportunities, and barriers.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Sustainable Communities.
- Country focused research on cyber security.
- ICTs in health care delivery.
- Telecommunications Law Reform.
4.0 Eligibility
- Funding is open, on a competitive basis, to local and foreign researchers, or consortia thereof, who are at academic, private/public and non-profitmaking research institutions.
- Consortia of more than one research institution can apply, subject to one of them assuming responsibility and accountability as lead applicant.
- Eligible research projects must focus on the research areas as highlighted in Section 3 of this call for proposals.
5.0 Budget Limitation
Funding is provided as per research budget proposals, subject to verification of the transparency, rationality and justifiability of costing of the research processes and deliverables.
6.0 Processing of Proposals
- The evaluation and selection of proposals will comprise verification of the proposal eligibility.
- Confidential peer review of the proposals by experts.
- Short listing of reviewed research proposals.
- Communication of results and funding decisions to applicants within 3 months of lapse of proposal submission deadline.
- Engagement of selected researchers by RCZ and POTRAZ.
7.0 Submission
- All documents (application form, full research proposal with budget and annexures) have to be submitted as a single file to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and copied to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject “RCZ-POTRAZ ICT Research”.
- Applicants should also complete the online application process on the RCZ website. https://www.rczgrants.org/
- Approval from the host institution of affiliation is a prerequisite. Proposals without institutional approval will not be considered.
8.0 Submission Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications is 23 September 2022 by 1000hrs. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
9.0 Contact Information
- For additional information on the call visit www.rcz.ac.zw
- For any queries or additional information, contact RCZ: Tel. 263-4-30 4733, 304787
Cell: 0712 954 330/2 or POTRAZ: Tel. +263-242-333032
Or Email
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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