10 000+ youths trained in cybersecurity skills

ZIMBABWE has trained over 10 000 young citizens in ethical hacking and cyber-defence as part of a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy, Minister of ICT Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera has said.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2nd Africa Preparatory Meeting for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Victoria Falls on Thursday, Minister Mavetera, who was represented by her deputy, Dingimuzi Phuti, told delegates from across the continent that the initiative forms part of a broader policy architecture designed to protect the nation’s digital assets and critical infrastructure while creating new economic opportunities.

“Cyber threats are borderless. Zimbabwe has completed a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy that protects our digital assets, critical infrastructure and citizens’ data.

“We are training over 10 000 young Zimbabweans in ethical hacking and cyber-defence, turning a vulnerability into a national export opportunity,” she said.

The minister said Zimbabwe launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030) in March this year, making the country one of the first in Southern Africa with a dedicated, whole-of-government AI roadmap anchored on what it’s termed Ubuntu-led innovation.

“If Africa does not prepare, Africa will be prepared for by others. Africa must no longer be a rule-taker. We must be co-authors of the global digital rulebook,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said the Government is crafting a child online protection policy that is being finalised to restrict minors’ exposure to harmful social media content while promoting digital literacy and parental empowerment.

“Technology must never come at the cost of our children’s safety,” he said.

Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director general Dr Gift Machengete rallied African nations to unite ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026.

“Africa must speak with one voice. By coordinating our positions and strategies into one, we enhance our influence in global negotiations, strengthen our collective bargaining power, and ensure that Africa’s priorities are clearly articulated, advanced, and defended,” he said.

Dr Machengete called for African representation in top ITU structures, including management teams, the Council, the Radio Regulations Board and key study groups.

“Our presence in these structures is not symbolic, it is strategic. It ensures that Africa’s priorities, realities and developmental aspirations are embedded in global decisions,” he said.

The three-day preparatory meeting, which ended yesterday, aims to forge common African positions on spectrum allocation, cybersecurity frameworks, artificial intelligence governance and universal connectivity ahead of the global ITU Plenipotentiary Conference later this year.