Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021)
The Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (Chapter 11:22) establishes a comprehensive data protection framework for Zimbabwe. It creates the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) as the data protection authority, establishes data processing principles, and provides for individual rights and enforcement mechanisms.
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Framework Domains (24)
Accountability
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-09 | Records of Processing Activities |
Automated Processing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-13 | Automated Decision Making and Profiling |
Cyber Resilience
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-17 | Cybersecurity and Critical Information Infrastructure |
Data Lifecycle
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-14 | Retention and Disposal |
Enforcement
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-20 | Penalty and Enforcement Readiness |
Governance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-03 | Appointment of Data Protection Officer |
| ZDPA-18 | Whistleblowing on Data Protection Failures |
Incident Response
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-08 | Personal Information Breach Notification |
Individual Rights
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-05 | Data Subject Rights Handling |
Lawful Processing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-01 | Lawful Basis and Consent for Processing |
Marketing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-12 | Direct Marketing and Electronic Communications |
Part I — Preliminary
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Art. 1 | Open Finance Implementation |
| Art. 2 | Consent Definition |
| Art. 3 | Objectives of Open Finance |
| Art. 4 | Participating Institutions |
| Sec. 1 | Short Title and Commencement |
| Sec. 2 | Interpretation |
| Sec. 3 | Scope and Application |
| Sec. 4 | Exemptions |
| UGA-1 | Application |
| UGA-2 | Interpretation |
| ZWE-1 | Objectives (Section 2) |
| ZWE-2 | Definitions (Section 3) |
| ZWE-3 | Application (Section 4) |
Part II — Data Protection Authority
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZWE-4 | Designation of Authority (Section 5) |
| ZWE-5 | Functions of Authority (Section 6) |
Part III — Quality of Data
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZWE-6 | Quality of Data (Section 7) |
Part IV — General Rules on Processing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZWE-10 | Sensitive Information (Section 11) |
| ZWE-11 | Biometric and Health Data (Section 12) |
| ZWE-7 | Generality of Processing (Section 8) |
| ZWE-8 | Purpose of Processing (Section 9) |
| ZWE-9 | Non-Sensitive Data (Section 10) |
Part V — Duties of Controller and Processor
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZWE-12 | Controller Duties (Section 13) |
| ZWE-13 | Data Subject Rights (Section 14) |
| ZWE-14 | Information Disclosure (Sections 15–16) |
| ZWE-15 | Security and Breach Notification (Sections 18–19) |
| ZWE-16 | Notification and Accountability (Sections 20–24) |
People
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-19 | Awareness and Training |
Regulatory Engagement
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-16 | Complaints and POTRAZ Cooperation |
Regulatory Registration
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-02 | Registration of Data Controllers with POTRAZ |
Risk Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-10 | Data Protection Impact Assessment |
Security
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-07 | Security of Processing |
Special Categories
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-04 | Sensitive Information Processing Safeguards |
| ZDPA-15 | Children and Vulnerable Persons |
Third Party Management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-11 | Processor Obligations and Contracts |
Trans-Border Data Flows and Enforcement
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZWE-17 | Trans-Border Data Flow |
| ZWE-18 | Cybersecurity Criminal Provisions |
Transfers
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ZDPA-06 | Cross-Border Data Transfers |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021), you already cover:
Chile Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 21.719)
25%
12 controls mapped
Compare →UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021
25%
12 controls mapped
Compare →TISAX — Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
25%
12 controls mapped
Compare →+ 620 more: CISA Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPG) 2.0 (25%), ISO/IEC 27400:2022 (25%)
See all 623 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 623 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021)?
Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) is a compliance framework from Zimbabwe with 24 domains and 48 controls. The Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (Chapter 11:22) establishes a comprehensive data protection framework for Zimbabwe. It creates the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) as the data protection authority, establishes data processing principles, and provides for individual rights and enforcement mechanisms. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) have?
Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) has 48 controls organised across 24 domains. The largest domains are Part I — Preliminary (13 controls), Part IV — General Rules on Processing (5 controls), Part V — Duties of Controller and Processor (5 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) map to?
Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) maps to 623 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are Chile Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 21.719) (25% coverage), UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (25% coverage), TISAX — Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (25% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) compliance?
Start your Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Zimbabwe Data Protection Act (2021) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 48 controls and track your progress.
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