Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has emerged as a regional pace-setter in data protection capacity building, with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe leading an initiative that is being adopted across the Southern African Development Community.
POTRAZ Director-General Dr Gift Machengete said the country’s comprehensive framework has become a blueprint for regional best practice since the authority was appointed Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Authority (DPA) in 2021.
“From the outset, we made sure that Zimbabwe did not just comply with international standards, but developed a model that could be shared across the region,” he said. “Our seven-step methodology ensures that capacity building is systematic, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The programme began with the creation of a dedicated Data Protection Unit within POTRAZ, staffed by 14 professionals including cybersecurity experts and compliance specialists.
Unlike many regional DPAs, Zimbabwe benefitted from POTRAZ’s financial independence as a self-funded telecoms regulator, accelerating implementation.
The regulator has already rolled out wide-reaching capacity-building programmes targeting ordinary citizens, children, the elderly, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, religious leaders and corporate executives.
A professional certification programme delivered through the Harare Institute of Technology has trained 871 professionals since April 2024, with proceeds reinvested into public awareness campaigns.
Dr Machengete said Zimbabwe’s efforts have extended beyond its borders, with professionals from Malawi, Botswana and Eswatini joining training sessions.
POTRAZ is also working with other DPAs in SADC to strengthen regional collaboration. “Despite challenges such as resistance to change and limited jurisprudence, our success is anchored on a strong legal framework, executive support and strategic planning,” Dr Machengete said.
“We believe this model can help the region build capacity in a sustainable way.”
Looking ahead, POTRAZ intends to deepen partnerships with universities and regional regulators to expand its initiatives. As Africa’s digital transformation accelerates, Zimbabwe’s model is being touted as one of the most inclusive and scalable approaches to safeguarding data.
