Zimbabwe, Russia sign key cybersecurity MoU

Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward bolstering its cybersecurity landscape by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and building local cyber skills. The agreement was formalised at the National Cyber Security Expo and Conference held in Harare.

The MoU, signed between Zimbabwe's Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and the Russian ZIM Consortium under a project dubbed CyberZIM, will focus on cybersecurity collaboration, training, and infrastructure development.

Speaking at the event, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera hailed the agreement as a milestone in Zimbabwe's efforts to secure its digital ecosystem and equip citizens-particularly the youth-to tackle emerging technological threats.

"We are very grateful in Zimbabwe that we are doing quite a lot in terms of our cyber security systems. Today we have signed an MOU on the sidelines of our Cyber Security Expo and Conference," Minister Mavetera said. "This means we are going to get our young people trained in cyber security and enhance our infrastructure to respond to threats faster than ever."

The initiative is expected to train and employ young Zimbabweans, providing them with high-value skills in cybersecurity while promoting international collaboration. Russian experts from the ZIM Consortium, including Mr Sergey Andreev, highlighted that the project combines education, business development, and export opportunities, positioning Zimbabwean youth to meet growing global demand for cybersecurity expertise.

"Actually, in the world today, there is a huge lack of competence…you actually give them a lot of opportunities for jobs," Andreev said, while cautioning that technologies such as artificial intelligence carry dual-use risks.

The CyberZIM project will also involve the construction of specialised infrastructure to support large-scale training programs, ensuring that Zimbabwe can nurture a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nikolai Vladimirovich Krasilnikov, described cybersecurity as a critical pillar for socio-economic development and praised the joint effort as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Zimbabwe and Russia.

"We achieved some quite good results in sectors like mining, healthcare, higher education, and now we participate in a very remarkable event which confirms the eagerness of Moscow and Harare to cooperate fruitfully in the ICT sphere," Ambassador Krasilnikov said.

The ambassador, alongside Minister Mavetera, also presented certificates to Zimbabwean students who completed advanced cybersecurity training conducted by Russian firms Komi and CyberProse, both operating under the ZIM Consortium. He noted that the initiative is designed for mutual benefit, strengthening Zimbabwe's digital sovereignty while deepening technological ties between the two countries.

The signing of the MoU comes as Zimbabwe observes Cyber Security Awareness Month, underscoring the nation's commitment to safe online practices, data protection, and the development of a robust digital economy.