Harare (New Ziana) –Government Ministries, departments and agencies urgently implement cybersecurity and data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information and align with global standards, a senior official has said.
Permanent secretary for Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dr Beular Chirume said this on Tuesday while addressing participants at the Public Sector Sensitization and Awareness Workshop on the Cyber and Data Protection Act held in Harare on Tuesday.
Chirume commended on spearheading efforts to enhance national cybersecurity and fortifying Zimbabwe’s digital landscape amid growing cyber threats.
“In this digital era, data is among the most valuable assets in the global economy. Government entities process vast amounts of sensitive personal and institutional data that must be protected against breaches, misuse, and cyber threats,” she said.
“The trust citizens place in our systems depends on how well we safeguard their information.”
Chirume said warned that cybercrime, data breaches, and privacy violations threaten national security, economic stability, and public confidence in digital services, underscoring the urgent need for compliance with the Act.
“As the government accelerates digital transformation under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the success of e-government, e-commerce, and digital financial services depends on how well we implement and enforce data protection measures,” she added.
She urged government agencies to appoint Data Protection Officers, develop cybersecurity policies, train employees on best data handling practices, and invest in secure technologies.
Chirume also emphasized the need to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of government.
“The risks in the digital space are real and ever-evolving. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in information systems. The surge in cyberattacks worldwide is a reminder that no institution is immune,” she said.
To combat these threats, the National Computer Incidents Response Team, operating under the Zimbabwe National Cybersecurity Strategy, is tasked with strengthening national response mechanisms and enhancing cyber resilience.
As Zimbabwe seeks to comply with international data protection regulations, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), Chirume stressed the need for the country to not only meet, but exceed, global standards.
“The Cyber and Data Protection Act must not remain just a document but a living framework that is actively implemented across all public institutions,” she stated.
“I urge all government entities to ensure full compliance, not just to avoid legal consequences, but to build trust and confidence in our digital economy,” she explained.
The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) have pledged to assist institutions to comply with the law through offering technical assistance and capacity-building programs
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