Zimbabwe Struggles with Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Amid Digital Expansion

By Evans Jona

HARARE — As Zimbabwe’s digital economy continues to expand, concerns over data ownership, privacy rights, and cybersecurity are escalating, leaving citizens increasingly exposed to potential misuse of their personal information.

Founder of Vinescoop Web Design, Duncan Ngwarwi, said the legal framework around data ownership in Zimbabwe is still evolving. “Technically, the data belongs to the individual who provides it, but many organizations claim usage rights once data is collected.

Transparency is often lacking, and most Zimbabwean users don’t fully understand the terms and conditions they agree to when signing up for digital platforms,” Ngwarwi said. He stressed that businesses need to clearly communicate ownership and usage rights to their clients and users.

Zimbabwe has some laws aimed at protecting privacy, including the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the proposed Data Protection Bill. However, enforcement is weak, especially among private companies, and compliance among government agencies is inconsistent.

A 2022 investigation by NewsDay Zimbabwe revealed that several local banks were storing customer personal data without proper encryption, exposing sensitive financial information. Citizens often have limited recourse when their information is mishandled, and awareness of privacy rights remains low. A 2023 survey conducted by the Zimbabwe Internet Governance Forum found that 65% of Zimbabweans were unaware of how their personal data could be used by companies and government agencies, highlighting the urgent need for public education.

Cybersecurity threats are rising sharply in Zimbabwe, with phishing attacks, ransomware, and hacking targeting both individuals and organizations. A report by ZimCERT (Zimbabwe Computer Emergency Response Team) in 2022 recorded a 28% increase in cybercrime incidents compared to the previous year, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack adequate digital security measures.

Ngwarwi said even larger institutions face risks. “At Vinescoop, we emphasize strong cybersecurity practices for our clients, including encrypted data storage, regular software updates, and employee training, but nationwide, many institutions still need to strengthen their defenses.”

The ethical use of personal data is also a growing concern. While some organizations maintain strict internal protocols, others exploit personal information for marketing, profiling, or discriminatory purposes. In 2021, a Zimbabwean e-commerce platform reportedly sold customer data to third-party advertisers without consent, prompting public outcry. Ngwarwi said there is a clear need for ethical frameworks guiding both private and public sector organizations. “At Vinescoop, we ensure clients’ data is only used for its intended purpose and that we never share sensitive information without explicit consent,” he said.

Public awareness of digital rights remains low, with many Zimbabweans unknowingly consenting to extensive data collection because online platforms provide complex, difficult-to-understand terms and conditions. Ngwarwi emphasized the importance of informed consent, urging companies to adopt clear opt-in mechanisms rather than relying on hidden clauses.

Accountability is another weak link. When data breaches occur, legal enforcement is often slow, and affected individuals rarely receive compensation or formal acknowledgment. In 2022, a major Zimbabwean bank suffered a cyberattack that exposed thousands of customers’ personal data, highlighting deficiencies in both corporate and regulatory practices. Despite public scrutiny, affected customers received minimal updates or remedial action.

Zimbabwe’s digital footprint continues to expand. According to Statista, the country had approximately 13.7 million internet users in 2023, with urban areas accounting for more than 80% of online activity. SMEs constitute over 60% of the country’s employment and increasingly rely on online platforms to operate, yet many remain vulnerable to cyber threats. ZimCERT reported that 40% of reported cybersecurity incidents targeted SMEs, underscoring the vulnerability of smaller organizations.

Ngwarwi concluded that stronger legislation, public awareness campaigns, and industry-wide ethical frameworks are critical to protecting Zimbabweans in the digital age. “As our economy becomes more digital, we need stronger national laws and enforcement bodies to ensure justice for individuals when data is misused. Citizens must also understand their rights and the power of consent in protecting personal information,” he said.