Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. DIGITAL security players have been urged to strengthen the country’s shared vision of creating a safe, secure and thriving digital Zimbabwe.
The call was made by Integrated Digital Security Solutions (IDSS) chief executive officer Nobuhle Ndebele at the inaugural ESET Partners Awards dinner held in the capital on Friday.
Ndebele said as IDSS, they were “proud to work alongside a network of dedicated partners who go above and beyond to protect businesses, individuals and institutions”.
She said at the heart of the Friday night event were the exceptional ESET partners — “those who are on the frontlines of protecting businesses, institutions and individuals from ever-evolving digital threats”.
“Your work is not just technical; it is mission critical. You are the enablers of trust in our digital ecosystem. This evening, we celebrate you — your dedication, innovation and the impact you continue to make,” Ndebele said.
“As we recognise your achievements, let this event also be a platform to strengthen our shared vision: to create a safe, secure and thriving digital Zimbabwe.
“Let tonight be a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It is through collaboration among government, industry and solution providers that we can create a secure digital environment for all.
“To all our partners, clients, and stakeholders — thank you for walking this journey with us.”
Speaking at the same event, ICT, Postal and Courier Services deputy minister Dingumuzi Phuti expressed appreciation to ICT business partners and ESET, saying their unwavering commitment to Zimbabwe underscored the power of public-private collaboration in driving innovation, security, inclusive growth.
“Together, we are laying a foundation for a prosperous digitally empowered Zimbabwe. This evening stands as a testament to this dedication to Zimbabwe’s ICT sector,” he said.
“Nobuhle’s steadfast leadership has not only preserved IDSS today with its legacy, but has propelled it to new heights, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation and excellence in our nation’s ICT landscape.”
Phuti said artificial intelligence (AI) was no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day reality transforming industries, governments and livelihoods across Zimbabwe and the world over.
“From AI-driven precision agriculture in Mazowe to intelligent fintech solutions in Harare, this technology is revolutionising productivity, service delivery and economic inclusion,” he said.
“Our government, under the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, recognises AI as a strategic enabler of our National Developmental Strategy 1 (NDS 1), the running blueprint, ending this year, bringing National Development Strategy 2 starting soon.
“AI is already enhancing fraud detection in our financial systems, improving healthcare and optimising climate smart agriculture and empowering our farmers, yet as we harness AI potential, we must also approach it with a lot of caution and wisdom.”
The deputy minister described ESET as a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity and applauded it for its “unwavering leadership” in cybersecurity, adding that: “As we integrate AI into our digital economy, digital ecosystem, we must confront emerging threats and AI-powered attacks and sophisticated phishing schemes.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an option, it is a national imperative.”
Phuti said ESET’s cutting-edge solutions from Zimbabwe’s point of view were important and that its AI advices enhanced “our threat responsibilities, ensuring we stay ahead of malicious actors”.
“We commend ESET for standing with us as guardians of our digital sovereignty. The second republic is committed to leaving no one and no place behind in this digital revolution,” he said.
“Achieving this requires a united effort by the government, the private sector, the academia, civil society and all of us should work hand in hand.
“Our priorities are clear: 1. a digital literacy and skills development programme, particularly for our youth, the marginalised communities to ensure equal opportunities in this digital economy as enshrined in the NDS 1 pillar number 7; 2. Supporting innovation hubs and start-ups, fostering home-grown solutions that address local challenges; and 3. Sustainable ICT practices, including responsible e-waste management to protect our environment.”
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