Zimbabwe is making significant strides in strengthening its digital economy by investing in a skilled data protection workforce, with more than 1,000 certified professionals now safeguarding personal information across key sectors.
This development was underscored at the third National Data Privacy Symposium, officially opened by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera in Bulawayo yesterday.
Addressing delegates, Minister Mavetera said the country had certified 215 new Data Protection Officers (DPOs) this year alone, bringing the total number of trained professionals to 1,070 since the programme began.
“This milestone reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to building the human capital necessary to anchor a secure and trusted digital economy,” she said.
She noted that DPOs play a critical role as custodians of privacy compliance, ensuring that both public and private institutions handle personal data responsibly and ethically.
Minister Mavetera emphasised that robust data protection systems are key to unlocking economic growth, as they foster public trust in digital platforms and services.
“Strong privacy frameworks enable markets to grow, promote digital inclusion and support sustainable innovation,” she said.
The symposium brought together stakeholders from across sectors to explore practical applications of data privacy in areas such as financial services, public administration and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Government is leading by example, with the Ministry of ICT becoming the first licensed data controller a move expected to drive compliance across all State institutions.
Minister Mavetera urged organisations to prioritise investment in privacy expertise, describing it as a strategic necessity in an increasingly data-driven world.
Zimbabwe is also strengthening regional cooperation through Sadc and other continental bodies, positioning itself as an active contributor to Africa’s evolving data protection landscape.
As the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the Minister said success will hinge not only on infrastructure and innovation, but also on the people entrusted with protecting citizens’ data.
“A secure, inclusive and innovative digital future depends on the strength of our human capital,” she said.
