Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has formally approved the National Online Child Protection Policy, a new framework designed to shield children from increasing cyber threats as digital technology becomes more widespread across the nation. The policy received official endorsement during a Cabinet meeting this week.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Zhemu Soda announced the approval during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. He stated the policy was developed in direct response to growing concerns about children’s exposure to harmful online content and activities.
With children accessing digital devices and online platforms at younger ages, authorities are targeting specific risks including cyberbullying, online abuse, sexual exploitation, and the misuse of emerging technologies like deepfake content. The policy establishes a coordinated framework to address these challenges comprehensively.
The framework will create a unified approach involving government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, and communities. Dr. Soda emphasized that this collaborative effort aims to ensure children’s safety in the digital space through coordinated action.
The policy ensures decisions affecting children online remain consistent with constitutional provisions and existing child protection laws. It also promotes greater accountability among all stakeholders involved in children’s digital experiences.
The new framework is expected to pave the way for stronger legislation and penalties aimed at curbing online offenses targeting children. This represents a significant step toward formalizing legal protections for young internet users.
In related developments, Cabinet also approved the National Youth Policy 2026-2030. This blueprint aims to strengthen youth participation in national development while addressing contemporary challenges facing young Zimbabweans.
Dr. Soda noted the new youth policy marks a shift from previous frameworks by focusing on modern issues. Key priorities include interventions addressing drug and substance abuse, mental health concerns, climate change, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and automation.
The youth policy further seeks to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs through improved access to financing, business incubation programs, market opportunities, and enterprise development support. These measures aim to foster economic participation among Zimbabwe’s youth population.
Additionally, Cabinet considered proposed amendments to legislation governing the water sector. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority Amendment Bill aims to separate the authority’s regulatory responsibilities from its service delivery role.
Under the proposed changes, regulatory functions would transfer to the responsible ministry while ZINWA would focus exclusively on providing water-related services. Cabinet also reviewed the Water Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to align existing legislation with constitutional provisions.
The water sector reforms are expected to improve efficiency and strengthen governance while ensuring legislation remains responsive to current national priorities. These changes represent part of broader efforts to modernize Zimbabwe’s regulatory frameworks across multiple sectors.
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