In a landmark move for the country’s digital future, Zimbabwe officially launched its Data Controller Licensing regime at a high-profile ceremony held at the Rainbow Towers in Harare on Friday. The event, attended by senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and data protection professionals, marked the formal handover of licences to organisations authorised to collect and manage personal data under Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act.
The ceremony was addressed by the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, and the Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Dr. Gift Kallisto Machengete. Both hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and commitment to data privacy.
“A Covenant with Citizens”
Describing the event as “historic,” Minister Mavetera said the licensing regime reaffirms Zimbabwe’s leadership in data protection and governance across Africa.
“Few nations across the world have established formal data controller licensing regimes, making Zimbabwe a pacesetter in Africa and beyond,” she stated. “Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act is not merely legislation—it is our covenant with citizens.”
She emphasized that the Government’s goal is to ensure personal data is safeguarded with the highest level of integrity and that trust remains central to the digital economy.
“Today marks a new era in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey,” the Minister declared. “Data protection is not just a legal obligation—it is a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and public trust.”
Compliance as Culture, Not Just Obligation
Dr. Machengete, whose organisation POTRAZ oversees data regulation, used striking metaphors to drive home the value of compliance.
“Compliance is like brushing your teeth—no one gets excited about it, but if you skip it long enough, the results can be quite painful and costly,” he said. “Put differently, it’s like wearing a seatbelt—you hope you never need it, but when things go bad on the road, you’re always glad you wore it.”
He added that the licensing regime marks more than a regulatory milestone—it represents a cultural shift. “Today we celebrate those who chose the toothbrush, who chose the seatbelt. Those who understand that compliance is not a nuisance but a necessity in protecting what matters most.”
Dr. Machengete noted that 570 organisations have been licensed so far, and more than 560 data protection officers have been trained across sectors. “We are not only licensing institutions; we are building a national culture of data accountability and digital ethics.”
Regional Leadership and Economic Impact
Minister Mavetera highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing regional influence, pointing out that trainees from Botswana, Eswatini, and Malawi have already benefited from the programme.
“We must continue as Zimbabwe to set the pace and create regional standards that fellow SADC member states can benchmark,” she said, adding that the licensing scheme aligns with continental frameworks like the African Union’s Malabo Convention.
The Minister also stressed the economic benefits of robust data protection. “Data flows are the lifeblood of the 21st-century economy,” she said. “This licensing regime positions Zimbabwe to attract foreign direct investment, unlock innovation in areas like AI and fintech, and empower citizens through data rights.”
A Call for Inclusion and Accessibility
Recognising the need for broader accessibility, Minister Mavetera called for the decentralisation of training and certification.
“In the spirit of devolution, we must ensure that all provinces benefit,” she said. “No Zimbabwean should be left behind due to geographical constraints.” She directed POTRAZ to partner with state universities and tertiary institutions to expand access to training countrywide.
Addressing concerns around training costs, she added: “Privacy should not be a luxury good. Data protection is a national priority, not a privilege reserved for the few.”
A Strategic Commitment
Dr. Machengete reminded the new license holders that their role extends beyond paperwork.
“By accepting your licences today, you are making a strong public commitment—to uphold the law, respect privacy, and manage data with integrity,” he said. “This licence goes beyond legal compliance. It signals that you value your stakeholders’ trust.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Compliance may not make headlines, but non-compliance certainly does. Congratulations for choosing the wiser, more responsible path.”
Zimbabwe’s Future is Digital
As Zimbabwe joins the ranks of nations with a formal data controller licensing regime, both government and industry stakeholders agree that this is just the beginning. The challenge now is to ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and continued innovation.
“Data protected today is Zimbabwe empowered tomorrow,” Minister Mavetera declared in closing. “The future is digital, and Zimbabwe is ready.”
