Government calls for a cyber-strong Zimbabwe

GOVERNMENT has called for collective action to strengthen Zimbabwe’s cybersecurity, urging citizens, businesses and institutions to adopt safer digital practices as the country expands its reliance on online services.

The call was made during the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Launch Conference and Hackathon Challenge held at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on Friday.

In a keynote address read on behalf of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera by Chief Director Mr Prince Sibanda, the minister said protecting the country’s digital space required stronger security systems, public awareness and individual responsibility.

She warned that cybercriminals often exploit weak passwords, outdated systems and unsuspecting users as mobile money, e-government services, online learning and digital trade become part of everyday life.

“Mobile money, e-government services, online learning and digital trade are now part of daily life, but as our dependence on digital systems grows, so does our exposure to fraud, phishing, ransomware, identity theft and the online exploitation of children. No country can achieve its digital ambitions without trust, and trust depends on security,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said Government had taken steps to strengthen cybersecurity through legislation and policy, including the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07], which provides a legal framework for combating cybercrime and protecting personal information.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) serves as the Data Protection Authority.

“Building on this foundation, my Ministry is advancing the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2026–2030, which sets out a coordinated national approach to cybersecurity in line with Vision 2030,” she said.

The strategy prioritises the protection of critical information infrastructure, including systems that support electricity, water, banking, telecommunications and Government services.

It also seeks to strengthen cybersecurity institutions through the establishment of a dedicated National Cybersecurity Authority and a stronger national Computer Incident Response Team.

“It also commits us to building skills, raising awareness and deepening cooperation with SADC and the international community, because cyber threats know no borders,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said Government was also working to secure its own systems through measures including Public Key Infrastructure, while the Child Online Protection Policy, implemented with support from UNICEF, seeks to improve children’s safety online.

She, however, said policies and institutions alone could not guarantee cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of developing local skills and encouraging innovation.

Minister Mavetera said the hackathon provided an opportunity for young innovators to demonstrate their skills and develop home-grown solutions to cybersecurity challenges.

“My Ministry is committed to working with universities such as NUST, with industry and with our partners to turn your talent into careers and home-grown solutions,” she said.

She urged businesses to treat cybersecurity as a core business risk by investing in secure systems and staff training, while reporting incidents to help protect others.

“To industry, I urge you to treat cybersecurity as a core business risk, to invest in your systems and your people, and to report incidents so that others can be protected,” she said.

Government ministries, departments and agencies were also urged to secure systems used to deliver public services, while citizens were encouraged to protect their personal security information and remain alert to suspicious online activity.

“To Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), secure the systems that serve the public. To every citizen, guard your PIN and one-time codes, think before you click, and report suspicious activity. Do not make it easy for them,” she said.

The event was held under the theme “Don’t Make It Easy for Them: Building a Cyber-Strong Zimbabwe.”