The SADC Regulatory Centre
Data protection obligations in the SADC region do not exist in isolation. Organisations operating across borders, using regional cloud infrastructure or engaging international partners must understand the regulatory landscape in every jurisdiction where they touch personal data.
This centre provides a structured reference guide to the primary data protection and cybersecurity legislation across five SADC jurisdictions. Datahyve advises organisations navigating compliance across this region.
This page is provided for reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legislation and regulatory requirements may change — always confirm current obligations with a qualified data protection consultant.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
4 key instruments · Last reviewed: July 2026
Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07]
Zimbabwe's primary data protection and cybersecurity legislation. Governs the collection, processing, storage and transfer of personal data by data controllers and processors. Establishes individual rights, controller obligations, offences and enforcement powers. Applies to all organisations processing personal data in Zimbabwe.
Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024 — Data Controller Registration Regulations
Establishes the four-tier data controller registration framework under the CDPA. Sets out the criteria for each tier, registration application requirements, compliance obligations and the annual licence structure. All organisations processing personal data above minimum thresholds are required to register with POTRAZ.
Statutory Instrument 156 of 2024 — Children's Online Protection Regulations
Specific protections for children's personal data in online environments. Applies to any operator of an online service likely to be accessed by persons under 18. Requires age verification, verifiable parental consent, data minimisation and prohibition on processing children's data for commercial profiling.
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) [Chapter 10:27]
Zimbabwe's access to information legislation, which also contains privacy provisions relevant to public bodies. Governs the right of access to information held by government institutions and intersects with data protection obligations in the public sector.
Need help with Zimbabwe CDPA compliance?
Datahyve specialises in helping Zimbabwean organisations understand and meet their obligations under the CDPA and related statutory instruments. From POTRAZ registration to full compliance programmes, we provide expert support at every stage.
Regional compliance picture
Each jurisdiction has distinct obligations. Operating across SADC borders requires a joined-up approach — not a copy-and-paste of policies designed for one market.
Operating across SADC borders?
Multi-jurisdiction data flows require a compliance strategy that accounts for each applicable framework. Datahyve helps organisations map their data transfers, identify the applicable obligations in each jurisdiction and build cross-border data transfer safeguards that hold up to regulatory scrutiny.