Amanda E N Jojo

Government has approved the Principles for the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill to regulate electronic contracts and transactions in the country.

Speaking at a post cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the bill was approved to provide a legal and policy framework to govern the use of information communication technologies and the cyberspace.

“There is 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,” said Mutsvangwa.

She said the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill will adjust the country’s legal framework to technological changes and address the current deficiencies in most of the country’s existing laws, which were designed for paper-based transactions.

“The Bill will promote and advance the business environment in Zimbabwe by establishing a legislative framework that enables fair, accessible, responsible and sustainable online transacting.

“The Bill will, in whole or in part, consolidate and harmonise existing electronic transactions-related legislation, such as the Consumer Contracts Act [Chapter 8:03],” Mutsvangwa said.

In addition, she said the Bill will establish a predictable, accessible, safe and transparent online trading environment, which is necessary for e-commerce to flourish.

“It will also result in business innovation, while simultaneously empowering consumers supported by well-resourced, effective and efficient regulatory institutions,” she said.