Zimbabwe Trains 10,000 Youths in Ethical Hacking to Boost Cybersecurity and Digital Jobs

VICTORIA FALLS – Zimbabwe has trained more than 10,000 young people in ethical hacking and cyber defence as part of a national strategy aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructure, and creating opportunities in the digital economy.

The announcement was made by ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera during the 2nd Africa Preparatory Meeting for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), held in Victoria Falls. The minister, who was represented by Deputy Minister Dingimuzi Phuti, told delegates from across Africa that Zimbabwe had completed a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy to safeguard digital assets, critical infrastructure, and citizens' data from growing cyber threats.

Ethical hacking involves legally testing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them. Ethical hackers are authorised to probe systems and recommend security improvements, helping organisations strengthen their cyber defences. Speaking at the conference, Mavetera said Zimbabwe's cybersecurity programme is designed not only to enhance national security but also to position young people for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the rapidly expanding technology sector.

"Cyber threats are borderless. Zimbabwe has completed a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy to protect our digital assets, critical infrastructure, and citizens' data," she said. "We are training over 10,000 young Zimbabweans in ethical hacking and cyber-defence, turning a vulnerability into a national export opportunity."

As governments, businesses, and individuals increasingly rely on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a major concern worldwide. Cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, government systems, telecommunications networks, and private companies continue to rise across the globe. Zimbabwe's investment in cyber defence training comes as African countries seek to strengthen resilience against cybercrime, online fraud, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. Experts say developing local cybersecurity expertise is essential for protecting digital infrastructure while creating highly skilled jobs in a sector experiencing strong global demand.

The three-day meeting in Victoria Falls brought together policymakers, regulators, and technology experts from across the continent to develop common African positions ahead of the upcoming International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference. Discussions focused on key issues shaping Africa's digital future, including spectrum management, cybersecurity regulation, artificial intelligence governance, and universal internet access. The meeting also explored strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure that African countries benefit from emerging technologies while maintaining secure and inclusive digital ecosystems.

Government officials believe cybersecurity training can help transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub for digital skills and technology services. With global demand for cybersecurity professionals continuing to outpace supply, ethical hacking and cyber defence are increasingly viewed as high-value career paths capable of generating employment and export earnings. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote innovation, digital transformation, and skills development as part of Zimbabwe's long-term economic growth strategy.

Zimbabwe ethical hacking training