RBZ DFS guidelines gap assessment
Mapping your controls against governance, reporting, mobile, API, authentication and third-party requirements, with a prioritised remediation plan.
Zimbabwe
Cybersecurity and RBZ compliance support in Zimbabwe.
SecuriCentrix supports Zimbabwean banks, fintechs, mobile money operators and payment service providers with penetration testing, RBZ Digital Financial Services Security Guidelines readiness, Cyber and Data Protection Act compliance and PCI DSS assessments.
Zimbabwe
Support for Zimbabwe's digital financial services sector.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's Digital Financial Services Security Guidelines took effect on 17 July 2026. They build on the RBZ Cybersecurity and Resilience Guideline and set specific expectations for mobile apps, APIs, SIM-swap defences, incident reporting and testing of third-party solutions. Read our detailed guide to the RBZ DFS guidelines.
We work remotely and on-site in Harare and Bulawayo, using the same methodology we apply for regulated clients in Ireland and South Africa.
Services
Cybersecurity services for Zimbabwean organisations.
Focused on what the RBZ, POTRAZ and card schemes expect from digital financial services providers.
Mobile app and API penetration testing
Testing of mobile banking and wallet apps, USSD back ends and APIs, including session handling, authentication and transaction integrity. View penetration testing.
Third-party solution testing
Penetration testing and security review of vendor solutions before launch, with remediation plans for high-risk findings.
Incident response readiness
Playbooks and tabletop exercises built around the RBZ 3-hour reporting expectation. Incident response.
Data protection under the CDPA
Security safeguards, data controller licensing support, breach response and cross-border transfer considerations.
PCI DSS assessments
Readiness and formal assessments for card-issuing and acquiring institutions and payment processors. PCI DSS in detail.
Regulation
The Zimbabwean regulatory picture.
RBZ-licensed institutions offering digital financial services, and intermediaries such as agents, aggregators and third-party providers, must meet the DFS Security Guidelines. Key expectations include reporting confirmed or suspected compromises to the RBZ within 3 hours, quarterly breach and risk-exposure summaries, strong encryption, session controls, SIM-swap defences and penetration testing of third-party solutions.
The Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] designates POTRAZ as the Data Protection Authority. Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024 requires data controller licensing, appointment of a data protection officer and notification of personal data breaches to POTRAZ within 24 hours.
| RBZ DFS Security Guidelines | Effective 17 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| RBZ incident reporting | Within 3 hours of a confirmed or suspected compromise |
| RBZ periodic reporting | Quarterly breach and risk-exposure summaries |
| Data protection law | Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07]; POTRAZ is the Authority |
| CDPA breach notification | Within 24 hours under SI 155 of 2024 |
Industries
Zimbabwean organisations we support.
- Commercial banks and building societies
- Mobile network operators and mobile money providers
- Fintechs, payment service providers and aggregators
- Microfinance institutions
- Insurers and pension funds
- Mining and engineering groups with regional operations
FAQs
Questions from Zimbabwean clients
Who must comply with the RBZ DFS Security Guidelines?
All RBZ-licensed institutions offering digital financial services, including banks, fintechs and payment service providers, and DFS intermediaries such as agents, aggregators and third-party service providers.
How quickly must incidents be reported to the RBZ?
Confirmed or suspected compromises must be reported within 3 hours, in line with the RBZ Cybersecurity and Resilience Guideline.
Does the Cyber and Data Protection Act require breach notification?
Yes. Under Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024, data controllers must report personal data breaches to POTRAZ within 24 hours of becoming aware of them.
Free readiness checklists
Free checklists for Zimbabwean organisations.
See where you stand before you talk to us.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Cyber Resilience Readiness Checklist
23 checks · RBZ cyber resilience guidance
Get the free checklistIreland and South AfricaPCI DSS v4.0.1 Readiness Checklist
21 checks · PCI DSS v4.0.1
Get the free checklistIreland and South AfricaISO 27001 Readiness Checklist
25 checks · ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Get the free checklistTalk to us
Plan your RBZ readiness.
Book a short call to review your current position against the DFS Security Guidelines and agree practical next steps.
Sources
- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe: DFS Security Guidelines
- POTRAZ: Cyber and Data Protection Act and guidelines
- POTRAZ: Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024
- PCI Security Standards Council: PCI DSS
This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Last reviewed 27 October 2026.