“Without Trust, No Digital Revolution Can Succeed” – DG Machengete

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in partnership with the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) certified 170Data Protection Officers (DPOs). This milestone pushes the nationwide number of certified DPOs beyond 700, strengthening the country’s framework for data protection and cybersecurity at a time when digital trust has become a cornerstone of technological advancement.

Speaking at the ceremony, POTRAZ Director General Dr. Gift Kallisto Machengete underscored the critical role of trust in the digital era. “Without trust, no digital revolution can succeed. Without protection, data becomes a liability instead of an asset,” he said, highlighting the responsibility that comes with managing personal data in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, cashless financial systems, digitised government services, and smart devices.

The newly certified officers are stepping into an environment where cybercrime is more sophisticated than ever, artificial intelligence continues to reshape decision-making, and citizens are demanding greater accountability on how their data is used. In this dynamic landscape, the role of Data Protection Officers transcends compliance. They are positioned as guardians of digital dignity, charged with ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of people’s rights.

HIT’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Eng. Quinton Chamunorwa Kanhukamwe, applauded the partnership with POTRAZ, noting that the institution’s mission of innovation and technopreneurship is aligned with national strategies such as Vision 2030 and Education 5.0. https://technomag.co.zw/170-data-protection-officers-graduate-in-zimbabwe-boosting-nations-digital-trust/With the rise of new technologies impacting data privacy, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, the training of DPOs is a critical step in producing experts who can balance technological growth with ethical stewardship.

As Zimbabwe accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the demand for skilled professionals in data protection continues to grow. For the 170 graduates, the challenge is not only to enforce compliance but to build systems that are ethical, fair, and resilient. Their success will help shape a future where data becomes a trusted driver of innovation, economic growth, and human dignity.