In response to the rapid advancement of technology, companies are being encouraged to hire data protection officers. This initiative follows the recent graduation of 92 individuals from the Data Protection Officer Certification Training Programme, a collaborative effort between the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).
This second cohort of graduates follows last year’s inaugural group of 57 and was celebrated during the Potraz Data Privacy Symposium held in Victoria Falls. The symposium, themed “Bridging Technology, Policy, Law, and Practice: Towards Strengthening Data Protection in Zimbabwe,” gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers, regulators, academics, and security agencies.
During the graduation ceremony, ICT, Postal, and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera and Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti highlighted the significance of the event. Professor Engineer Quinton Chamunorwa, Vice-Chancellor of HIT, noted that the graduation represents not only the culmination of extensive training but also a new beginning for data protection and privacy in Zimbabwe.
“In today’s digital landscape, the role of a data protection officer is increasingly vital. As data volume grows and privacy regulations become more complex, organizations need skilled professionals to uphold data privacy and security,” he remarked.
On October 25, 2023, HIT and Potraz formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at enhancing training, research, and development in cyber and data protection.
“This collaboration is essential for advancing a secure digital future. We plan to focus on several initiatives, including training and certification of data protection officers, program content development, and academic research in the fields of cyber and data protection,” Professor Chamunorwa explained.
He emphasized that HIT, established as a university in 2005, aims to foster innovation and technopreneurship. The institution is dedicated to developing and commercializing technology to support Zimbabwe’s industrial growth.
“HIT’s mandate extends beyond traditional education; it actively provides advanced tools that align with the country’s modernization and industrialization goals,” he added. The university integrates innovation and entrepreneurship across its curricula, including programs in Artificial Intelligence and big data analytics, equipping students with the skills needed to establish high-tech enterprises that can drive employment and economic growth.
Professor Chamunorwa highlighted HIT’s comprehensive, innovation-focused curriculum, which includes specialized programs and centers of excellence that transform research output into marketable products and services.
With five schools—Engineering and Technology, Allied Health Sciences, Industrial Sciences and Technology, Business and Management Sciences, and Information Science and Technology—HIT produces experts in diverse fields such as cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and financial engineering.
“HIT plays a crucial role in both national and international technological ecosystems, guided by essential social, economic, legal, and geopolitical principles,” he stated, adding that the institution now offers the most extensive range of computing and engineering programs in Zimbabwe.
To date, HIT has graduated over 6,000 individuals in the ICT sector, who are integral to advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialization and modernization initiatives. “With our shared vision, Potraz has been a valuable partner in fostering significant contributions to national development,” he concluded.
