In a landmark move to strengthen regional cooperation in digital rights, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and South Africa’s Information Regulator have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on advancing data protection.
The signing ceremony took place on June 30, 2025, at POTRAZ headquarters in Harare, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership that aims to align data governance efforts between the two Southern African nations.
Welcoming the South African delegation, POTRAZ Director-General Dr. G.K. Machengete expressed gratitude and optimism about the long-term impact of the agreement. “Your visit has not only brightened our halls but brought warmth to this winter month,” he said warmly. Dr. Machengete also paid tribute to the South African regulator for their earlier support when POTRAZ’s Data Protection Unit was first established in 2023.
The MoU outlines clear objectives: enhancing regulatory capacity in data protection, harmonizing cross-border data flow safeguards, boosting business efficiency through unified legal frameworks, and building trust in the digital economy. Key initiatives under the agreement include personnel exchange programs, coordinated case handling, shared enforcement strategies, and co-development of policies.
With more than 20,000 individuals crossing the Zimbabwe-South Africa border daily and remittances exceeding US$800 million annually, both regulators emphasized the urgent need for cooperation in managing personal data at scale.
Dr. Machengete underscored the broader importance of data governance, describing it as a “fundamental right” in today’s digital era. The MoU also aligns with regional directives under the SADC Model Law on Data Protection and supports broader goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
As Dr. Machengete concluded, quoting John F. Kennedy: “If not us, who? If not now, when?” The message was clear—both nations are ready to lead the charge in safeguarding digital privacy across Africa.
