Zimbabwe issues first data controller licences

In a milestone moment for Zimbabwe's digital transformation agenda, the government on Thursday officially handed over Data Controller Licences to 570 organisations, marking the country's first formal rollout of such certifications under its new cybersecurity and data protection framework.

The historic event, held in Harare, was hailed by authorities as a pivotal step toward positioning Zimbabwe as a regional leader in data governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory innovation.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera described the handover as a "historic milestone" that reinforces the government's commitment to digital sovereignty and global best practices in the management of personal and organisational data.

"This is not just a bureaucratic exercise. These licences are a strategic tool-an assurance that Zimbabwe's digital economy will be secure, inclusive, and globally competitive," said Minister Mavetera.

The rollout places Zimbabwe among a select group of African countries-including Nigeria and Ghana-that have developed advanced regulatory frameworks to enforce data protection and privacy laws.

Mavetera emphasized that Zimbabwe's leadership in this arena comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC), giving the country a platform to influence digital policy and standards across the region.

"This initiative not only strengthens our national systems but also sets the standard for the SADC region. Zimbabwe must lead by example, and we are proud to be the benchmark for data protection in Africa," she said.

The launch had significant regional scope, with participants from Botswana, Eswatini, and Malawi joining the event, alongside more than 560 trained data protection officers who received certification as part of the broader effort to raise compliance and awareness in Southern Africa.

The licensing framework stems from Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024 on Cyber and Data Protection, which introduced mandatory data compliance standards for all organisations that process personal data.

Minister Mavetera acknowledged earlier public misconceptions about the new licensing requirements but praised the resilience and determination shown by institutions that complied.

"The road was not easy, but we stayed the course. Today, we celebrate not only compliance but national resilience," she said.

Looking ahead, the minister called for the expansion of training hubs beyond Harare, urging POTRAZ to collaborate with universities and colleges in cities like Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, and Gweru to ensure nationwide access to data protection education.

Mavetera reminded the newly licensed data controllers that their certification comes with a heavy responsibility. As custodians of sensitive data-including financial, health, and legal records-they are now expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in data management.

"You are not just data controllers-you are guardians of Zimbabwe's digital integrity," she told the audience.

The launch of the Data Controller Licensing Programme is widely viewed as a critical enabler of Zimbabwe's ambition to develop a secure, transparent, and competitive digital economy, with national and regional implications.