Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is moving to strengthen the protection of children in the digital space through legislation that will support the implementation of the recently launched Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026-2030).
Speaking at the Child Online Protection Policy Unpacking Workshop in Harare today, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Beullah Chirume said the proposed legislation will give legal force to the policy as Zimbabwe responds to emerging online threats affecting children.
“Government also recognises the need for an accompanying act, and we are already at the preliminary stages of developing that legislation,” she said.
Dr Chirume said the policy came at a time when Zimbabwe was recording significant growth in digital connectivity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for children.
She said internet penetration had reached 87,39 percent, broadband penetration stood at 85,83 percent, while mobile penetration had risen to 108,53 percent.
Data traffic also grew by 57,28 percent, increasing from 114,02 petabytes to 179,33 petabytes in the year to the first quarter of 2026.
“This progress is something we are proud of. But progress carries responsibility with it, particularly as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how our children learn, play and interact online,” she said.
Dr Chirume said that while more children were accessing the internet for education, recreation and communication, they were also increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation and abuse, harmful content and misuse of personal information.
“Globally, over 300 million children are victimised online every year, and Zimbabwe’s children are not exempt. Government has a duty to respond with equal seriousness,” she said.
She said the policy, which was approved by Cabinet and launched by Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi in Bulawayo on July 10, 2026 this year, is the country’s first framework dedicated solely to child online protection.
The workshop, she said, is meant to translate the policy into practical action by developing implementation measures across its strategic focus areas.
“I urge you to engage candidly. Tell us where the gaps are, what capacity is missing, and what has and has not worked in your own institutions and communities. This Policy will only be as strong as the implementation plan, we build around it,” said Dr Chirume.
She encouraged children to actively participate in discussions on issues affecting their online safety.
“This Policy exists because your safety matters, and your voice matters in shaping what safety looks like online.”
