By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, so does the shadow of cybercrime. From financial fraud and ransomware to data breaches and identity theft, cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace, leaving individuals, institutions, and governments scrambling to catch up. Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe is set to host the another edition of the Cyber Fraud Summit from September 22nd to 26th, 2025, at Montclaire Hotel in the serene town of Nyanga—a pivotal event aimed at confronting the growing cyber threat landscape head-on.
This year’s summit arrives at a critical juncture. Global losses to cybercrime are projected to reach trillions annually, and Zimbabwe has not been spared. Local businesses, banks, and even government agencies have experienced mounting cyberattacks, many resulting in significant financial losses and eroding public trust. The economic ramifications are far-reaching: diminished investor confidence, disrupted service delivery, and escalating costs associated with cybersecurity mitigation.
Recognizing the gravity of these challenges, the summit will focus on addressing both present and future threats in the cyber domain. With topics ranging from artificial intelligence in anti-money laundering, data protection, and the future of financial trust centers, to the integration of automation and responses to quantum-era cyber threats, the event promises to be more than a talking shop—it’s a platform for innovation, collaboration, and policy alignment.
Dr. Whisper Rukanda, a renowned cybersecurity strategist and academic with decades of experience in cyber risk, digital forensics, and international cyber law, will facilitate the summit. His global exposure and practical expertise bring credibility and critical insights that are expected to shape the summit’s discussions and outcomes. Under his stewardship, participants can expect a well-curated program that merges theory with actionable intelligence.
Adding further weight to the summit’s stature, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, will attend as the guest of honor. Her presence underscores the government’s acknowledgment of cybercrime as a national security and economic development issue. It also reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering a secure digital ecosystem, especially as the country pushes for widespread digitization.
The summit will kick off with a compelling keynote that unpacks the complexities of AI-driven cyber threats, including how various data streams—particularly those acquired from third-party tools—can be harnessed for better threat detection and mitigation. A series of dynamic panel discussions will follow throughout the week, delving into regulatory frameworks, cross-border collaboration, and public-private partnerships in cybersecurity.
Beyond the main sessions, the summit will serve as a fertile ground for networking, knowledge exchange, and fostering new partnerships. Attendees will include stakeholders from fintech, banking, academia, law enforcement, and technology innovation hubs. Notably, several sessions will showcase cutting-edge tools in AI and digital forensics, providing participants with a firsthand look at innovations designed to curb cybercrime and bridge the continent’s digital divide.
As the global digital economy continues to expand, safeguarding its infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s essential. The 2025 Cyber Fraud Summit in Nyanga stands as a rallying point for those determined to secure Africa’s digital future. It is more than an event; it is a clarion call to act, innovate, and collaborate in the face of an ever-shifting cyber threat landscape.
With strong leadership, a forward-looking agenda, and participation from top-level stakeholders, this summit is poised to deliver lasting impact in fortifying Zimbabwe—and the region—against the scourge of cybercrime.
