Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AS part of ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens from growing cyber threats, government is considering reducing the cost of training for Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
Speaking at the official opening of the inaugural Strategy Execution Advisory Talk (SEAT) Africa Summit in Victoria Falls, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, said efforts are underway to make the training more affordable.
“I mentioned the issue of our DPOs and this is a process we are handling now through POTRAZ. We are negotiating to bring the cost down, making it more accessible. Since this is a statutory requirement, we must review the pricing to ensure it’s affordable for everyone.”
Currently, the cost of the DPO training course stands at US$1 250.
Zimbabwe is ranked 134th globally in terms of exposure to cyber threats.
Minister Mavetera also noted that insights from the summit will feed into policy reforms, particularly in procurement efficiency and digital governance, key steps in positioning Zimbabwe as a regional leader in good governance and ease of doing business.
SEAT Africa’s chairperson, Mr Victor Marawu emphasised the summit’s role in empowering African enterprises with insights, coaching, and networks necessary to scale and compete on the global stage.
“In terms of outcomes, delegates are already identifying actionable insights for their businesses. We will be producing a report compiling these insights, which will be distributed across Africa over the next 12 months. The goal of SEAT Africa is to ensure that these timeless insights benefit both businesses and policymakers continent-wide.”
The inaugural three-day summit has attracted participants from over six countries, including Botswana, Rwanda, and Ghana.
