POTRAZ Puts Zimbabwe On Africa’s Digital Map

Business Reporter

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has secured continental recognition for its work in data protection, winning the Most Outstanding Data Protection Authority award at the PICCASO (Privacy, Infosec, Culture, Change Awareness and Societal Organisation) Awards Africa 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The achievement places Zimbabwe among the countries making significant strides in digital governance, privacy and cybersecurity, at a time when the country’s telecommunications sector is undergoing rapid technological transformation.

Beyond the continental recognition lies an argument of how much of this digital progress is being felt by ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom continue to complain about the cost of mobile data, smartphones, computers and other internet-enabled devices?

The award, announced at a ceremony held on November 5 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, recognises POTRAZ’s work in developing and enforcing Zimbabwe’s data protection framework.

PICCASO is a global privacy and information-security initiative whose awards recognise excellence in data protection, cybersecurity, compliance, privacy management and responsible digital governance.

The African awards are organised by the Africa Digital Rights Hub in partnership with PICCASO. They seek to recognise institutions, professionals and organisations advancing privacy rights, secure information management and responsible use of technology across the continent.

The benefits extend beyond institutional recognition. Strong data protection systems help safeguard personal information, reduce the risks of identity theft and financial fraud, strengthen confidence in online transactions and encourage businesses to adopt digital platforms. They also provide a foundation for secure e-government services, electronic commerce and investment in the digital economy.

POTRAZ emerged victorious from a field of eight shortlisted regulatory authorities from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Somalia.

The authority’s achievements include licensing more than 2,500 data controllers, training and certifying over 1,500 Data Protection Officers, developing more than 15 implementation guidelines and issuing over 195 enforcement notices.

These milestones demonstrate that Zimbabwe’s data protection regime is moving beyond legislation towards practical implementation, institutional capacity and enforcement.

The recognition also reflects the strategic leadership of POTRAZ Director-General Dr Gift Kallisto Machengete, whose stewardship has sought to reposition the regulator from a traditional oversight institution into an enabler of innovation, compliance and investment.

Machengete described the award as a collective achievement for POTRAZ and Zimbabwe, applauding the Director responsible for Data Protection, Tsitsi Mariwo, and her team for their work.

He also acknowledged the contribution of the POTRAZ Board, chaired by Professor Sam Takavarasha Jnr, saying its strategic guidance had created an environment for innovation and institutional excellence.

However, POTRAZ’s influence extends well beyond data protection. As the country’s telecommunications regulator, it occupies a central position in the development of mobile networks, internet connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure, consumer protection and the broader digital economy.

Zimbabwe’s transition from basic voice communication towards data-driven services has required regulatory oversight, licensing, infrastructure development, spectrum management and the promotion of competition among operators.

The expansion of mobile broadband, increased data consumption and the rollout of 4G and 5G infrastructure reflect the changing character of the sector.

POTRAZ’s second-quarter 2025 sector performance report, for instance, recorded mobile internet and data traffic rising from 65.75 petabytes in the second quarter of 2024 to 130.14 petabytes in the corresponding quarter of 2025. The report also attributed growing data consumption partly to increased high-speed network infrastructure and a rise in 5G base stations.

This growth illustrates how telecommunications have become central to business, education, banking, entertainment, government services and everyday communication.

Yet the expansion of networks does not automatically translate into affordable access.

For many households, the cost of purchasing smartphones and maintaining regular data subscriptions remains a significant barrier. Small businesses also face the burden of connectivity costs, while students and other young people increasingly depend on internet access for learning, research and employment opportunities.

This creates a difficult balancing act for the regulator, encouraging investment in modern infrastructure while ensuring that consumers can afford to use the services being developed.

The National ICT Policy 2022–2027 identifies affordability of ICT services and smart devices, consumer protection and meaningful connectivity as important policy priorities. It also calls for stronger quality-of-service monitoring and protection of consumers as technologies such as 4G and 5G expand.

The public outcry over data prices and the cost of gadgets therefore remains an important test of whether the benefits of technological advancement are reaching ordinary citizens.

A country may boast modern telecommunications infrastructure, but meaningful digital inclusion remains limited if a significant proportion of its population cannot afford the devices or connectivity required to participate.

The effects are far-reaching. Expensive data can restrict access to online education, digital financial services, e-commerce, employment opportunities and information. High device costs can deepen the digital divide between urban and rural communities, as well as between higher-income households and those surviving on modest earnings.

POTRAZ’s continental award is therefore a significant achievement, but it also raises expectations.

Zimbabwe needs a telecommunications sector that is not only technologically advanced and secure, but also affordable, accessible and responsive to consumer needs.

Economist, Ngonidzashe Choruma told the Post On Sunday that, protecting personal information is essential. So too is ensuring that citizens can afford to access the digital platforms on which their information, businesses and opportunities increasingly depend.