POTRAZ’s latest notice on the administration of Zimbabwe’s “.zw” domain space has sparked conversations across the tech community — and rightly so. At a time when digital identity, cybersecurity, and online trust matter more than ever, this directive represents more than a routine regulatory update. It is a necessary reset for a digital ecosystem that has long needed clearer rules, stronger oversight, and renewed accountability.
For years, the management of “.zw” domains has been fragmented, inconsistent, and at times vulnerable to abuse. Some domain holders registered names with inaccurate details, others used outdated or unverifiable information, while a few exploited loopholes to secure domains for questionable purposes. The result has been a national domain space weakened by uncertainty and lacking the professionalism seen in other countries.
POTRAZ’s notice — which mandates accurate registrant data, compliance with naming standards, proper registrar accreditation, and lawful management of personal information — brings structure to what was once a loosely regulated environment. This is good for businesses, individuals, and even government institutions that depend on reliable digital identities.
Critics may argue that the new measures introduce bureaucracy or threaten privacy. But the truth is the opposite. Clear rules ensure that Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure aligns with global best practices. Requiring valid information is not an invasion of privacy — it is a safeguard against fraud, identity misuse, and cybersquatting. And while registrant data may be published through tools like WHOIS, the option to hide certain contact details still exists, with disclosure only triggered by lawful requests from authorities.
Most importantly, the notice supports the credibility of the country-code top-level domain. A nation’s digital reputation matters. When foreign investors, partners, or customers see a “.zw” website, they should be confident that the domain is legitimate, verified, and professionally managed. This move brings Zimbabwe closer to that standard.
However, a regulation is only as strong as its enforcement. POTRAZ must now ensure that accredited registrars follow these rules, that outdated domains are cleaned up, and that the transition is managed transparently. At the same time, the Authority should run public awareness campaigns to help small businesses and individuals update their information without confusion.
In an era where the digital economy drives national growth, Zimbabwe cannot afford chaos in its domain name system. POTRAZ has set the tone. Now the industry must respond.
This is a step in the right direction — one that strengthens digital trust, enhances cyber hygiene, and positions Zimbabwe for a more secure and credible online future.
