Sidumisile Mabena
Peter Matika [email protected]
BULAWAYO is hosting the third edition of the Data Privacy Symposium, with stakeholders from across the ICT sector meeting to strengthen Zimbabwe’s data protection framework and promote a culture of privacy-first innovation.
The three-day symposium, organised by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, runs from April 28 to 30 under the theme, “Privacy as the Default: A Foundation for Trust and Innovation in a Digitally Enabled Economy.”
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, is expected to deliver remarks.
The symposium builds on momentum from previous editions held in 2024 and 2025.
Delegates from regulatory bodies, ICT experts, security agencies and the private sector are engaging on strategies to entrench privacy as a core principle in digital systems amid growing concerns over data breaches and cyber threats.
Officials said the gathering seeks to encourage organisations to adopt best practices in data governance while enhancing public confidence in digital platforms and services.
Key focus areas include improving organisational compliance with data protection laws, promoting secure innovation and fostering digital trust in an increasingly interconnected environment.
Participants are also examining the role of emerging technologies and the need for robust safeguards to protect personal information.
The symposium follows the successful second edition held in Victoria Falls in January last year, which emphasised the intersection of technology, policy and law.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Online Reporter