Digitalks, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean technology sector is governed by regulations and critical policies and strategies, such as the National Development Strategy and the National ICT Policy (2022-2027). The government has also made progress in digital inclusion and data protection. However, on the downside, the existence of sedition laws and false news criminalisation is a major stumbling block that requires policy reform. Additionally, the country has also seen increased threats towards journalists, raising concerns around the safety of the use of digital tools for civic participation, and potential violations of human rights in the online space. We note that freedom of expression, assembly, and association, and data privacy online are at risk of attack in the country. Such developments raise concerns as they risk infringing on individuals’ rights to
freedom of expression and violating international human rights standards. These gaps are also likely to present challenges for the government’s digital transformation plans, outlined in the National AI Strategy released in early 2026.

Against this backdrop, PIN will host Digi-talks with The Signal, aimed at disseminating the Londa Digital Rights and Inclusion report in the country. The events include screening a short PIN film, presenting findings from Londa country, and leading a policy engagement with government actors. Film screenings, presentations, and panel discussions are held on the issues and recommendations made.