ZIMBABWE has trained just over 1 000 data protection officers (DPOs), marking a major step towards a digital economy.
The statistics were revealed at the third National Data Privacy Symposium held in Bulawayo.
It was revealed that 215 new DPOs were certified this year alone, bringing the total to 1 070 since the programme launch.
Data protection officers are the frontline custodians of privacy compliance.
Their work involves ensuring that public and private institutions handle personal data ethically and legally — from managing consent forms to reporting breaches and conducting risk audits.
In an era where artificial intelligence and digital finance rely heavily on user information, DPOs act as the bridge between business innovation and citizen rights.
ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera stressed that robust data protection builds public trust, which in turn fuels economic growth, digital inclusion and sustainable innovation.
“A secure, inclusive digital future depends on the strength of our human capital,” she said.
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The ICT ministry became the first licensed data controller, a move expected to drive compliance across State institutions.
The government urged organisations to invest in privacy expertise as a strategic necessity.
Zimbabwe is also strengthening regional co-operation through Sadc and other continental bodies, positioning itself as an active contributor to Africa’s evolving data protection landscape.
