MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE- In a historic move to strengthen data security and privacy in the region, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the Information Regulator of South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border data protection.
The signing ceremony, presided over by POTRAZ Director-General Dr. Gift Machengete, underscored the growing importance of data governance in fostering economic ties between the two nations.
“We are gathered to witness a milestone not just for our two organizations, but for data protection across the Southern African region,” said Machengete.
“The ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa are strong—rooted in trade, history, culture, and a shared belief in ubuntu and respect for human dignity and privacy,” he added.
Machengete said with up to 20,000 daily border crossings for work, shopping, or tourism, and remittances exceeding $800 million annually, the sheer volume of personal data exchange between the two countries necessitates robust data protection measures.
He added that the MoU commits POTRAZ and the Information Regulator of South Africa to strengthening regulatory capacity, harmonizing safeguards for cross-border data flows, improving business efficiency through clear frameworks, and building trust in the digital economy.
“This agreement paves the way for joint efforts in securing data, supporting the digital economy, and enhancing public trust,” Machengete stated.
“It will enable the benchmarking and sharing of enforcement models, personnel exchange and capacity building, coordinated handling of cross-border data cases, and the co-development of guidance and policy.”
The signing of this MoU comes in response to a directive issued by SADC Ministers in March 2025, which called for stronger regional cooperation on data protection, building on the 2012 SADC Model Law on Data Protection.
“In this rapidly evolving digital era, data protection is not just a technical concern—it is a fundamental right,” Machengete emphasized.
“We remain committed to principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, and accountability, and recognize the broader role of data governance in the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
The landmark agreement between Zimbabwe and South Africa is set to pave way for enhanced data security and privacy across the Southern African region.
