Zimbabwe’s data protection regulator has scooped one of the continent’s highest honours after being named the Most Outstanding Data Protection Authority at the PICCASO Awards Africa 2026.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, POTRAZ, received the award at a gala ceremony held on 5 November 2026 at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
The win marks a major milestone for Zimbabwe and cements its growing reputation as a continental leader in digital governance, privacy and data protection.
This was the second edition of the prestigious African awards, following the inaugural ceremony held in Ghana in 2025.
The recognition places POTRAZ at the forefront of Africa’s data protection landscape, highlighting the country’s progress in strengthening privacy frameworks and promoting responsible digital governance.
But the award is far more than a trophy for a single institution. It carries profound implications for Zimbabwe as a whole.
It signals to international investors, technology companies and global partners that Zimbabwe is a safe and secure destination for digital business. A strong data protection regime is a critical component of a modern, trustworthy economy, and this award places Zimbabwe on the map alongside continental heavyweights.
For ordinary Zimbabweans, the recognition means their personal data, from financial transactions to health records, is being protected by a regulator recognised for its effectiveness. That trust is the bedrock on which a thriving digital economy, e-commerce and e-government services can be built.
This recognition is a testament to the Government’s efforts, under the Second Republic led by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, to elevate Zimbabwe’s institutions and businesses to international standards. Through deliberate reforms, strong leadership and a commitment to good governance, Zimbabwe is now earning recognition at the international level. The award reflects the progress being made towards Vision 2030 and the goals of NDS2, as the country builds competitive, trusted and world class institutions.
