Govt approves Electronic Transactions and Commerce Bill

The government has approved the Principles for the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, the first country’s legal framework to technological changes by addressing the current deficiencies in most of the country’s existing laws, which were designed for paper-based transactions.

Speaking during a post-cabinet briefing Tuesday afternoon, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said the development of information communication technologies in cyberspace requires that the legal and policy environment be adapted to take into account the relevant changes.

“Cabinet considered and approved the Principles for the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dr. Jenfan Muswere.

“The nation is being informed that the development of information communication technologies in cyberspace requires that the legal and policy environment be adapted to take into account the relevant changes,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She further added that electronic transaction regulation regime in the face of the opening up of markets and movement of goods and services across borders

“In particular, there is a need for a holistic electronic transaction regulation regime in the face of the opening up of markets and movement of goods and services across borders, and growing incidences of scams and unfair practices, which leave the end-user at risk,” she added.