It started with a simple voice note on WhatsApp. A woman warned people not to keep money in their mobile wallets. She said her money had disappeared overnight. Within hours, the message had spread across the country. Families shared it, vendors panicked and many people rushed to withdraw their money.
Later, it became clear that the mobile money system itself was not hacked. The real issue was something else: people were being tricked. Fake websites, scam messages and fraudulent offers were targeting users and stealing their money.
This situation highlights a critical reality. Zimbabwe is growing fast in digital services, but security awareness is not keeping up.
Mobile money is now a key part of daily life. Many people depend on it for business and survival. Online services are expanding. Government systems are going digital. Small businesses are now using cloud tools. This growth is positive, but it also creates risk.
Zimbabwe is facing a serious cybersecurity challenge. The country is among the most targeted globally, yet its defenses are still developing. This creates a gap between digital progress and digital safety.
This gap is not just technical it affects real people. Businesses lose money. Individuals get scammed. Sensitive information is exposed. Some organisations have already experienced cyber-attacks but lack the systems to respond effectively.
At the same time, the country is moving into a new phase: artificial intelligence (AI). The national strategy aims to use AI in areas like agriculture, health, and finance. This is a strong strategic move. However, AI also introduces new risks.
AI is not only a tool for development it is also being used by criminals. Scammers can now create highly convincing messages. These messages can be written in perfect English, Shona, or Ndebele. They can include personal details, making them very difficult to detect.
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This means the threat landscape has evolved. Traditional scams are being replaced by smarter, faster and more targeted attacks.
At the same time, AI can also strengthen cybersecurity. It can detect unusual transactions, monitor systems and prevent attacks before they happen. But AI tools do not operate on their own. They require skilled professionals to manage and apply them effectively.
This brings us to a major issue: Zimbabwe does not have enough cybersecurity professionals.
There is a cycle at play. Because there are few experts, systems remain weak. Because systems are weak, opportunities are limited. Because opportunities are limited, skilled people leave the country. This deepens the problem.
Breaking this cycle requires a shift in mindset.
The market is no longer looking for basic IT support. Organisations need professionals who understand risk. They need people who can explain cybersecurity in business terms, not just technical language.
For example, instead of saying “there is a system vulnerability,” a professional should be able to say, “there is a high chance of financial loss and damage to customer trust.” That level of communication creates real value.
There is also a growing need for professionals who understand both AI and cybersecurity. As companies adopt AI tools, new risks emerge. Securing these systems is now a critical skill.
Another key area is secure system development. Security should not be added later it must be built into systems from the beginning. Developers who understand secure coding practices are becoming more valuable.
However, one of the most important areas is human behavior.
Most cyber-attacks succeed because of human error. People click links, share passwords, or trust fake offers. Even the best systems cannot stop this if users are not informed.This creates a major opportunity. Professionals who can train people whether vendors, employees or executives are highly valuable. Cybersecurity is no longer just about systems; it is about people.
There is also a strong case for cybersecurity consulting. Many organisations cannot afford full-time experts, but they still need protection. This creates demand for advisory services.
A consultant can assess systems, identify risks, and provide practical solutions. This model works across different sectors and locations. It is scalable and sustainable.
Zimbabwe is at a turning point. The foundation is being built through policy and digital growth. But real progress depends on skilled individuals.
Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is a core part of economic stability and national development. The professionals who understand technology, security and the local context are in a strong position. They are not just employees they are strategic assets.
As digital adoption increases, demand for cybersecurity expertise will continue to grow. Those who position themselves now will not struggle to find opportunities.
Instead, opportunities will find them.
- Wilfred Munyaradzi Kahlari is a cybersecurity expert, software developer, and consultant at Kingwil Consultants. For feedback: [email protected] | +263 772 212 796
