Zimbabwe’s National Cybersecurity Strategy to be proactive says ICT minister

By Tendai Chisiri

Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr. Tatenda Mavetera /File photo

Giving remarks at the National Cybersecurity Strategy Validation Workshop, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr. Tatenda Mavetera said Zimbabwe’s National Cybersecurity Strategy be not only comprehensive and rigorous but also adaptable to future developments.

She said the validation workshop is the penultimate stage in our journey towards finalizing Zimbabwe’s National Cybersecurity Strategy. Dr. went on to aporeciate Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) for hosting the important validation workshop and to all stakeholders who came together to contribute their expertise and insights.

“Today, we performed an essential task that is not simple but had to be done which is validating a document that will lay the foundation for Zimbabwe’s cybersecurity framework for years to come. In this room, we have representation from across sectors and levels of governance, reflecting the unity and commitment required to craft a robust, thorough, and forwardlooking strategy. This is not merely a procedural step, it is a significant moment that will shape the security, resilience, and prosperity of our digital ecosystem”, she stated.

“As you know, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Threats are increasingly complex, and their potential impacts are deeply interwoven into every facet of society, from national security to economic stability and personal privacy. 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”, she said.

“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. To achieve this,our strategy must be exemplary in its depth, detail, and commitment to best practices. We must ensure that it is a living document, thorough in addressing immediate needs yet flexible enough to adapt to the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. The ambition is that this strategy will not only protect Zimbabwe but also contribute to setting a regional standard”, she added.

“Today’s validation workshop was your opportunity to shape this document and refine it further. I want to thank all of you for scrutinizing its provisions critically and offering your perspectives. This document’s strength rests in our collective effort to be comprehensive, collaborative, and forwardthinking. Going forward, let us keep in mind the long-term vision we aim to achieve. A secure Zimbabwe means a prosperous Zimbabwe, and your contributions today have a lasting impact on the security and resilience of our nation”, Dr Mavetera said.

She concluded by thanking everyone once again for their time, their sights, and their unwavering dedication to this process. “Together, let us make Zimbabwe’s National Cybersecurity Strategy a milestone of progress and security, not only for our nation but also for the region and beyond”.

Leave a comment