Zimbabwe steps up cybersecurity drive to protect digital economy

ZIMBABWE is strengthening its cybersecurity framework to protect businesses, critical infrastructure and the growing digital economy from escalating threats such as fraud, phishing, ransomware and identity theft.

This emerged during the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Launch Conference and Hackathon Challenge at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) on Friday, as cybersecurity has become essential to building confidence in the country’s digital transformation.

Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, in a speech read on her behalf by Chief Director Mr Prince Sibanda, said growing reliance on digital technologies was accompanied by increased exposure to cyber risks.

“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,” she said.

“No country can achieve its digital ambitions without trust, and trust depends on security. This year’s theme: ‘Don’t Make It Easy for Them: Building a Cyber Strong Zimbabwe’, carries a simple but powerful message.”

Minister Mavetera said cybercriminals frequently exploit basic vulnerabilities, including weak passwords, outdated systems and unsuspecting users.

She said a cyber-strong Zimbabwe was one where every citizen, business and institution play an active role in making it increasingly difficult for cybercriminals to operate.

“Government has taken deliberate steps to secure our cyberspace. The Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] provides the legal framework to combat cybercrime and protect personal information, with Potraz serving as the Data Protection Authority,” said Minister Mavetera.

“Building on this foundation, my ministry is advancing the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2026–2030, which sets out a co-ordinated national approach to cybersecurity in line with Vision 2030.”

A major focus of the strategy was safeguarding critical information infrastructure supporting sectors such as banking, telecommunications, electricity, water and Government services.

It also envisages strengthening cybersecurity institutions, including a dedicated National Cybersecurity Authority and the national Computer Incident Response Team, while expanding skills development, public awareness and regional and international co-operation.

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

“Government is also securing its own systems, including through public key infrastructure, and through the Child Online Protection Policy, implemented with the support of Unicef, we’re working to keep our children safe online,” the minister added.

“Policies and institutions alone are not enough. Our greatest asset is our people. That is why this Hackathon Challenge matters. To our young innovators, you represent the skills and creativity that Zimbabwe needs to defend its digital future.”

Minister Mavetera said Government was committed to working with universities such as Nust, industry and partners to turn young innovator’s talent into careers and home-grown solutions.

“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. 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,” said the minister.

In his remarks, Nust Vice Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, said they were proud to host the national gathering at Nust, a university built around science, technology, innovation and the advancement of knowledge.

“This is a place where ideas are transformed into solutions, where young minds are prepared to shape the future, and where knowledge must ultimately translate into national impact,” he said.

“Today, we gather around a subject that touches every Zimbabwean, every institution, every business and every sector of our economy: cybersecurity.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue reserved for IT departments or cybersecurity specialists. It is a national issue, it’s an economic issue. It is a security issue. And increasingly, it is a question of our national resilience and sovereignty.”

As Zimbabwe accelerates its digital transformation, dependence on technology continues to grow, while Government services are becoming digital.

Prof Dlodlo said businesses are increasingly dependent on online platforms and universities are embracing digital learning and research, as well as financial services are increasingly technology-driven.

“Our communities are connected through mobile phones, social media and digital platforms. These developments bring enormous opportunities, but every opportunity comes with responsibility.

“The same technologies that enable innovation, economic growth and connectivity can also be exploited to steal information, disrupt services, defraud individuals and organisations, compromise critical infrastructure and undermine trust,” he added.

“As universities, we’ve a particularly important responsibility. Universities are not simply places where students come to obtain qualifications. We’re custodians of knowledge, centres of research and innovation, and increasingly, custodians of vast amounts of sensitive digital information,” he said.

“Our universities hold student records, examination results, research data, intellectual property, financial information, personal information and confidential institutional communications. Our laboratories and research facilities are increasingly connected to digital systems. Our teaching and learning platforms depend on technology. Our researchers collaborate across borders through digital networks.”