In a move aimed at aligning the mining sector with national data protection laws, several leading mining companies in Zimbabwe have been officially granted data controller licenses by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
This was done at an official event in the country, graced by the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services in Zimbabwe, Tatenda Mavetera, in the capital recently.
Among those licensed at the inaugural Data Controller License Certificate Handover Ceremony were Blanket Mine and the Blanket Mine Employee Trust, Caledonia Mining Corporation, Freda Rebecca, Golden Valley Mine, Karo Platinum, Kuvimba Mining House, Mimosa Platinum, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), Pan African Mining, Zimplats, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), and the Mining Industry Pension Fund.
The licensing of these entities marks a significant step in Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen data protection and privacy standards across both public and private institutions.
Few countries globally, and only three in Africa—including Nigeria and Ghana—have implemented formal data controller licensing regimes.
Zimbabwe’s programme, therefore, positions the country as a continental leader in responsible data governance, cybersecurity, and privacy protection.
Spearheaded by POTRAZ, the data controller licensing framework is grounded in the Cyber and Data Protection Act and reflects a wider government agenda to promote accountability, safeguard personal information, and foster trust in the digital economy.
Since its launch, over 570 organisations have been licensed, and more than 560 data protection officers have been trained, including professionals from SADC member states such as Botswana, Eswatini, and Malawi.
Zimbabwe’s growing regional influence in this area is notable, particularly as President Emmerson Mnangagwa currently chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
This cross-border impact is viewed as a demonstration of Zimbabwe’s readiness to share its experience and training expertise with other countries across the region.
Officials have emphasised the importance of setting high data protection standards that neighbouring states can adopt as benchmarks when developing their own compliance regimes.
The journey to this point has not been without challenges.
The introduction of Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024, which laid the legal foundation for the licensing process, was initially clouded by public confusion and misinformation.
However, sustained awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building have helped turn early scepticism into growing support for the initiative.
For mining companies, obtaining a data controller license is not merely a regulatory formality.
It is increasingly seen as a strategic imperative that aligns operations with both national and international data governance standards.
The licenses signify a public commitment to transparency, ethical data handling, and the protection of personal information—principles that are essential in today’s digital economy.
While the certification marks a major milestone, authorities have underscored that compliance is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process.
Licensed entities are expected to conduct regular system audits, invest in staff training, and maintain readiness to respond to data breaches.
In this context, the licenses are viewed as tools that support sustainable growth, reduce operational risks, and build confidence among stakeholders.
As the mining sector embraces data protection compliance, Zimbabwe is further cementing its role as a digital policy leader in the region.
The licensing initiative not only advances national cybersecurity priorities but also contributes to shaping regional standards for responsible and secure digital transformation.
