Minister of ICT Postal And Courier Services Hon Dr Tatenda Mavetera
By Mary Lisa Svosve
Zimbabwe is on the verge of finalizing its National Cybersecurity Strategy, a move aimed at positioning the country at the forefront of combating cyber threats.
Cybersecurity, also referred to as computer security, digital security, or IT security, is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, recently expressed confidence that the strategy will empower Zimbabwe to address the growing cybersecurity risks in an increasingly digital world.
Minister Mavetera was the guest of honor at the National Cybersecurity Strategy Validation workshop, which served as a platform to discuss and refine the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to review Zimbabwe’s readiness to tackle the expanding global cyber threat landscape.
In her address, Minister Mavetera emphasized the significance of the workshop.
“We performed an essential task today by validating a document that will lay the foundation for Zimbabwe’s cybersecurity framework for years to come.”
“This reality demands that our National Cybersecurity Strategy be not only comprehensive and rigorous but also adaptable to future developments. Our mission is clear: to deliver a document that will guide our nation effectively through these challenges, ensuring the protection of our citizens and our institutions,” said Minister Mavetera.
She highlighted the strategy’s long-term benefits, predicting that it will not only address immediate challenges but also solidify Zimbabwe as a role model for other nations to emulate in cybersecurity.
“Moreover, we are mindful of the broader implications of this work. Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a proactive leader in cybersecurity within the region, and as such, this strategy should serve as a benchmark that other countries can look to for inspiration and guidance,” she added.
The finalization of the strategy aligns with the Cyber and Data Protection Act of 2021, which provides the foundation for safeguarding data privacy and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure. It is part of the government’s broader effort to align national ICT policies with global trends and ensure the country keeps pace with emerging digital threats.
The goal of cybersecurity is to reduce the risk of theft, damage, or unauthorized access to devices, services, and the personal information stored on them.
While Zimbabwe has made significant strides, including the enactment of cyber laws and the passing of the Cyber and Data Protection Act, there is still room for improvement in its cybersecurity preparedness.
The National Cybersecurity Index currently ranks Zimbabwe 129th out of 160 countries in terms of cybersecurity readiness.
Despite these challenges, the finalization of the National Cybersecurity Strategy marks a critical step forward in building a resilient cybersecurity framework for Zimbabwe, enhancing the protection of both individuals and institutions in an increasingly digital world.