Zimbabwe to Host SADC Regional Data Protection Training Hub

Zimbabwe has been selected to host a regional institution for training Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a major recognition of the country’s growing leadership in data governance, digital regulation, and cyber resilience.

The announcement was made by Dr Gift Kalisto Machengete, Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), during the recent 2025 Cyber Security Conference and Expo held in Harare.

According to Dr Machengete, SADC has formally approached Zimbabwe with a proposal to establish a training hub that will serve all member states. The development places Zimbabwe, whose Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA) came into effect only recently, at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen data protection and privacy standards.

“This is despite the fact that the Zimbabwe Data Protection Act came into effect only recently after others had already started,” Dr Machengete said, praising the country’s rapid progress in building a modern regulatory framework.

SADC’s endorsement of Zimbabwe’s role demonstrates growing regional confidence in the country’s capacity to shape and implement digital policy. It is a clear signal that Zimbabwe’s regulatory approach is viewed as a model for other SADC states still refining their own data protection regimes.

Dr Machengete described the development as evidence of Zimbabwe’s ability to “move mountains” in the digital space, crediting close collaboration between government institutions, regulators, and private-sector partners.

Across Africa, the digital revolution has led to a massive increase in the collection and storage of personal data. From mobile money platforms and online health systems to e-commerce and education technologies, sensitive information is constantly being processed. Without proper safeguards, that data can be misused, stolen or exploited, undermining trust in digital services.

Data Protection Officers are key to ensuring compliance with legislation such as Zimbabwe’s CDPA and the SADC Model Law on Data Protection. They audit data handling practices, manage breach responses and train organisations on privacy responsibilities.

By hosting a regional training institution, Zimbabwe will contribute to building the skills base required to protect the personal information of millions of citizens across Southern Africa.

National Benefits for Zimbabwe

The initiative offers Zimbabwe far-reaching benefits across economic, professional and policy domains.

1. Economic and professional growth

The hub will create new employment and consultancy opportunities for local experts in ICT, cybersecurity, law and compliance. It will attract technical partnerships, international funding and visiting professionals who will contribute to local skills development and knowledge exchange.

2. A centre of regulatory excellence

Zimbabwe will be recognised as a regional thought leader in digital governance, joining the ranks of continental pioneers such as Mauritius and South Africa. This recognition will strengthen the country’s reputation for sound regulation and transparency.

3. Growth in the local technology ecosystem

International investors and technology firms often seek markets that guarantee data privacy. A credible data protection environment will encourage foreign direct investment and boost domestic innovation in fintech, cloud computing, and digital trade.

4. Enhanced digital trust

As citizens gain confidence in how their data is managed, Zimbabwe will see broader adoption of e-government, online learning and digital financial services, all critical pillars of the country’s Vision 2030 digital economy agenda.

5. International credibility

SADC’s decision signals global acknowledgment of Zimbabwe’s policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives. It reinforces the country’s standing as a credible, forward-thinking actor in regional technology policy.

The SADC-wide training programme is expected to harmonise data protection standards and encourage consistency in how member states handle personal information. Unified rules will make it easier to conduct cross-border digital trade, share information securely and implement regional cybersecurity cooperation.

The training hub will provide standardised curricula, professional certification and ongoing capacity development for DPOs. Smaller economies in the region, often lacking local expertise, will benefit from shared resources and a stronger collective defence against data breaches and cyber threats.

This collaborative approach also supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by ensuring that cross-border data flows remain safe and compliant with privacy norms.

The establishment of the training hub presents a timely opportunity for Zimbabweans with qualifications in ICT, cybersecurity, data management, law and information governance to take part in shaping the region’s digital future.

POTRAZ is expected to work closely with universities, research institutions and professional associations to identify and train local experts who can contribute to curriculum design, instruction, and regulatory support.

Aspiring professionals are encouraged to upskill in areas such as data privacy, cyber-risk assessment, information security auditing and compliance management. The demand for qualified Data Protection Officers is growing rapidly across Africa, and Zimbabwean professionals are well-placed to fill that gap.

This initiative is not only about training; it is about creating a generation of regional digital guardians who will uphold the principles of privacy, transparency, and accountability in the digital age.

Dr Machengete emphasised that effective data protection cannot rely on laws alone. It requires a national culture of responsibility, where institutions, businesses and citizens understand their role in protecting information.

“This recognition shows that Zimbabwe can move mountains in the digital regulatory space,” he said.

POTRAZ has long advocated for public awareness on cyber safety and data rights through outreach campaigns, workshops and the annual Cyber Security Conference, now one of the largest forums of its kind in Southern Africa.

While the official timeline for launching the training institution has not yet been released, the project is a decisive step toward regional digital integration. It paves the way for Zimbabwe to collaborate more closely with SADC partners in developing policy frameworks, technical standards and research networks.

Government ministries, the private sector and development partners are expected to play a role in financing and operationalising the hub. The success of this initiative will depend on continued investment in ICT infrastructure, professional development and regional coordination.

The selection of Zimbabwe as host of the SADC Data Protection Training Hub is both a national triumph and a regional milestone. It demonstrates that Zimbabwe is not merely participating in Africa’s digital revolution but helping to lead it.

For citizens, it is a call to embrace professionalism, ethics excellence in every aspect of digital work. For policymakers, it is an opportunity to show that robust governance can coexist with innovation and openness.

As Zimbabwe prepares to welcome regional trainees and experts, the nation stands to become Southern Africa’s centre of data-protection excellence, a beacon of trust and integrity in an increasingly connected world.