It all began when the Computer Crime and Cyber Security Bill was being drafted almost entirely by a team of lawyers, with little to no input from the country’s ICT professionals and engineers. Recognising the dangers of excluding technical expertise from such an important national process, the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), through its ICT Division, took decisive action.
Under the leadership of Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi, then Chairman of the ICT Division, the ZIE convened a groundbreaking conference that brought together all major players in the telecommunications and ICT sectors including engineers, network specialists, academics, policymakers and other key stakeholders. The central question posed was simple yet profound, Why was a technologically driven bill being shaped without the involvement of technology experts?
The conference became a turning point. It opened space for dialogue between legal and technical professionals and it underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the nation’s digital future.
The success of that initiative reached the highest levels of government. As a direct result of the momentum generated by the ZIE-led conference, the then President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, was convinced of the need for a dedicated structure to manage Zimbabwe’s cybersecurity and digital affairs. Consequently, Patrick Chinamasa was appointed as the country’s first Minister of Cyber Security a short lived historic recognition of the growing importance of digital governance.
Over the years that followed, the Computer Crime and Cyber Security Bill underwent extensive revision, informed by the input of engineers and ICT experts. It was renamed the Data Protection Bill, aligning with international standards on privacy and cybersecurity. This process culminated in November 2021, when it was enacted into law as the Data Protection Act, cementing Zimbabwe’s commitment to digital security and responsible data management.
Today, that same spirit of collaboration and innovation lives on. Every October/November, Zimbabwe celebrates the National Cybersecurity Conference and Expo a direct legacy of the pioneering work of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers and its ICT Division. The event continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing knowledge, raising awareness and strengthening the country’s defences against emerging cyber threats.
From what began as a question of inclusion to what is now a national movement, the ZIE’s leadership driven by engineers who understand the power and complexity of technology has ensured that Zimbabwe’s digital future is built on both sound policy and sound engineering.
To all those who have participated in and continue to support this national cause, your dedication, collaboration and passion are the true foundation of Zimbabwe’s secure digital future. We thank you.
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Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
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