By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
NYANGA – The 2025 Cyber Fraud Summit began yesterday at Montclair Hotel in Nyanga, opening with a clear sense of urgency and purpose. Set in the serene Eastern Highlands, the summit comes at a time when cybercrime is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious threats to national security, economic growth, and public trust in digital systems.
As Zimbabwe continues to digitise its economy and public services, it faces increasing exposure to cyber threats ranging from financial fraud and identity theft to data breaches and ransomware attacks. These incidents have become more frequent and sophisticated, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated, multi-sectoral responses. The summit stands as a timely and strategic intervention—bringing together critical voices to shape the nation’s cyber defense framework.
The three-day event is being attended by key stakeholders from various sectors including finance, ICT, telecommunications, academia, security sector officials and public administration. Its central aim is to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional partnerships, and develop forward-looking strategies to combat both current and emerging cyber risks.
The summit was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti who was standing in for Minister TatendaMavetera, whose presence underscores the Government of Zimbabwe’s recognition of cybersecurity as a national priority. His participation reflects the growing emphasis on creating a secure digital environment that supports innovation, economic development, and citizen confidence.
At the centre of the summit is Dr. Whisper Rukanda, a highly regarded expert in cybersecurity strategy and governance. His leadership in curating a diverse, action-oriented agenda has been instrumental in bringing together voices from both technical and policy-oriented backgrounds. The summit’s structure promotes not just discussion, but actionable outcomes that can be implemented across institutions and sectors.
Opening sessions focused on the evolving nature of cybercrime in Southern Africa, the role of artificial intelligence in financial crime prevention, and the need for robust digital identity protection systems. Technical panels, thematic workshops, and strategy sessions are designed to provide a balanced view of both challenges and solutions in today’s digital landscape.
A standout feature of this summit is its integrated approach to cybersecurity. Rather than treating it as a siloed technical concern, the event positions cybersecurity as a shared responsibility—requiring leadership, innovation, and cooperation across both public and private spheres.
The choice of Montclair Hotel as the venue has provided delegates not only with a conducive environment for focused dialogue and collaboration but also an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Nyanga. The region’s majestic mountain landscapes, cool breezes, and breathtaking sights offer a refreshing balance to the intense discussions, reminding participants of the broader context within which digital security efforts must thrive.
As the summit enters its second day, attention will turn to key areas such as national resilience planning, digital forensics, automation in cyber defense, and regulatory frameworks tailored to local and regional needs. Technology showcases and closed-door planning sessions are expected to drive the development of practical tools and roadmaps for implementation.
The 2025 Cyber Fraud Summit is more than a conference—it is a strategic response to a growing crisis. In the face of rising digital threats, the conversations and connections taking place in Nyanga this week are laying the foundation for a stronger, safer, and more resilient digital Zimbabwe.
