By Rudo Saungweme

The Japanese Government has extended an olive hand to Zimbabwe as Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube has today officially signed a grant aid amounting to 390 million yen (approximately USD$3.6 million) for the provision of cyber-security equipment.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes, Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, Mr Toshiyuki Iwado said he was pleased to be standing on behalf of his country extending and guaranteeing the two countries’ international relations.

“I am very pleased to be here today with all of you for the signing of the Exchange of Notes, whereby the Government of Japan will contribute to improving the safety of Zimbabwe and the Southern African region through the provision of cyber-security equipment. The new equipment to be provided, including digital forensic tools, face recognition systems and an information sharing platform, will contribute to upgrading the capacity of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and will promote inter-regional cooperation of the responsible bodies under the auspices of INTERPOL. It will be the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art equipment made by Japanese companies to tackle cyber-security crimes,” he said.

President Mnangagwa is on record stating that the new dispensation's thrust is economic development and economic development is closely related with the level of safety in the country. Iwado in line with President Mnangagwa's sentiments said, “The law enforcement authority, namely the Zimbabwe Republic Police, is expected to play a central role in ensuring the safety of the country.”

The cyber-security equipment will contribute to making Zimbabwe a focal point of greater collaboration among the Southern African regional police bodies in combating cyber-crimes and transnational crimes. In his speech Iwado said, “The information sharing platform will allow sharing of information related to crimes and criminals among the countries concerned.”