Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has been named the Most Outstanding Data Protection Authority at the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026, a landmark achievement that consolidates Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a continental leader in digital governance, privacy and data protection.
The award was announced at a gala ceremony held on Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the second edition of the awards following the inaugural ceremony in Ghana in 2025.
The PICCASO Awards Africa are organised by the Africa Digital Rights Hub in partnership with PICCASO and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital governance.
The awards recognise individuals, organisations and regulatory institutions demonstrating excellence, innovation and leadership in advancing data protection across Africa.
The 2026 ceremony featured various categories recognising excellence in data protection regulation, privacy management, information security and emerging technologies, bringing together the continent’s leading regulators, digital rights advocates and industry experts.
Potraz emerged victorious from a highly competitive field of shortlisted regulatory authorities from South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia.
The award recognises Potraz’s achievements in building a functioning and credible data protection regime, including licensing over 2 500 data controllers, training and certifying more than 1 500 data protection officers, developing over 15 implementation guidelines, issuing over 195 enforcement notices and conducting nationwide awareness and stakeholder engagement programmes.
Zimbabwe has moved beyond merely adopting data protection law to building the institutions, skills, guidance and enforcement capacity needed to make the law work in practice.
Over the years, Potraz has strategically moved beyond a narrow regulatory role focused on oversight and control towards becoming an enabling institution that opens doors for compliance, innovation, investment and trust.
Commenting on the award, the authority’s director-general Dr Gift Machengete described the recognition as a collective achievement.
He applauded the director responsible for data protection, Ms Tsitsi Mariwo, and her team for championing progress and excellence.
He expressed gratitude to the Potraz board, led by Professor Sam Takavarasha (Jnr), for its strategic guidance, which he said had created the enabling environment to innovate, pursue excellence and implement a robust data protection programme.
It is believed that the award signals to international investors, technology companies and global partners that Zimbabwe is a safe and secure destination for digital business.
A strong data protection regime is a critical component of a modern, trustworthy economy.
It also assures Zimbabweans that their personal data, from financial transactions to health records, is being safely protected.
The trust is considered to be the bedrock upon which a thriving digital economy, e-commerce and e-Government services can be built.
Zimbabwe intends to create a modern, secure and inclusive digital society.
