By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) –Crafting of the National Cyber Security Strategy is nearing completion and is going through the Cabinet Committee processes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has said.
Speaking at the National Cybersecurity Conference and Expo in Harare on Wednesday, Mavetera said the strategy would provide a coordinated framework for enhancing cyber resilience, protecting digital infrastructure and building national cybersecurity capabilities.
She said stakeholders should use the remaining approval period to prepare implementation priorities, establish institutional arrangements and develop resource proposals.
Mavetera said Zimbabwe should continue addressing existing cybersecurity challenges while preparations for the strategy’s implementation proceed, outlining several immediate action points.
“Strengthen the response to account takeovers and digital fraud. I call upon the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), telecommunications operators, relevant law enforcement authorities and platform providers to agree, within 30 days, a coordinated protocol for handling reported account compromises.
“It should specify reporting channels, urgent referrals, evidence preservation and account recovery support. It must also address safeguards for SIM replacements and referral of suspected financial fraud. Citizens deserve timely assistance. Performance should be measured through response and resolution times, together with corrective action on recurring weaknesses,” she said.
She also called for the accelerated implementation of the Child Online Protection Policy, saying her Ministry would work with the Ministries responsible for education and child protection, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), law enforcement agencies, service providers and child protection organisations to strengthen its implementation.
Mavetera said the collaboration should result in an implementation schedule, an online safety toolkit for learners, parents and teachers, and a referral guide for suspected cases of online abuse.
“Schools, community information centres, radio and digital platforms should support delivery in local languages and accessible formats. Progress must be measured through schools reached, personnel trained and functioning referral arrangements,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to prepare for the implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy once it receives approval and directed permanent secretary Beaullah Chirume to coordinate the Ministry’s readiness efforts and engage relevant institutions on their anticipated contributions.
“Within 90 days, this work should produce a proposed implementation matrix identifying priorities, responsible institutions, resources, milestones and performance indicators, subject to the final approved Strategy. Following approval, the matrix must be aligned with the Strategy and advanced through the appropriate Government processes. Quarterly reviews should track delivery, with appropriate public reporting and protection of sensitive information,” she said.
Mavetera further called on institutions overseeing telecommunications, financial services, energy, water, health and essential government systems to assess their preparedness and participate in a coordinated national cyber incident simulation within six months.
She said the exercise should test incident detection, information sharing, service continuity and public communication, while producing a corrective action register identifying responsible officers and deadlines.
“As we adopt artificial intelligence, cloud services and other technologies, we must assess risks early and protect personal information. We must also deepen regional and international cooperation, because cybercrime crosses borders. I urge the media to support this effort through accurate reporting that helps citizens recognise threats and obtain assistance,” she said.
The conference and expo was held under the theme, “Innovate. Defend. Protect: Building Zimbabwe’s Cyber Shield.”
New Ziana
