Venture Nation Privacy Notice
Effective Date: 14 August 2025
1. Introduction and Scope
The Venture Nation Platform (“Venture Nation”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is operated by The TechVillage Trust (operating as The TechVillage Innovation Centre), which serves as the Data Controller under the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] (CDPA) of Zimbabwe.
This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you engage with our digital storytelling platform, submit content, participate in ecosystem programmes, or interact with us in person.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently in accordance with the CDPA. This Notice applies to all personal data processed by automated or manual means within Zimbabwe, and to certain processing conducted outside Zimbabwe where applicable.
2. Who We Are
In simple terms: We are The TechVillage Trust, running the Venture Nation platform, and we decide how and why your information is processed. Our Data Protection Officer helps ensure compliance with privacy laws and supports you in exercising your rights.
Data Controller:
The TechVillage Trust (The TechVillage Innovation Centre)
4th Floor, Fidelity Life Towers, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 77 467 5100
Email: info@techvillage.org.zw
Licensed by POTRAZ (the designated Data Protection Authority)
Data Protection Officer (DPO):
Takunda Chingonzo – Assegai Analytics (Pvt) Ltd
Email: dpo@assegai.africa
Tel: +263 719 719 210
The DPO ensures Venture Nation complies with the CDPA, responds to data subject requests, and liaises with POTRAZ.
3. What Personal Data We Collect
In simple terms: We collect information that can identify you, such as your name, contact details, or the content you submit—including stories, photos, videos, or audio recordings.
We may collect:
- Contact details (name, phone number, email address)
- Biographical and demographic information
- Written stories, interviews, testimonies, or submitted content
- Video, audio, or photographic materials (including biometric identifiers when consent is given)
- Employment or organisational details (for contributors or partners)
- Communications and correspondence with us
Sensitive personal data—including racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, or biometric data—is only collected with explicit consent.
Data Subjects include innovators, storytellers, contributors, ecosystem partners, community members, staff, and members of the public engaging with the Venture Nation platform.
Collection Methods:
- Direct submissions via the platform or email
- Partnerships with ecosystem organisations (with verified permissions)
- Publicly accessible sources (e.g., social media)
- Recorded interactions at events or interviews
4. How and Why We Process Your Data
In simple terms: We use your information to publish and preserve ecosystem stories, run the Venture Nation platform, and collaborate with partners.
We process data to:
- Curate, publish, and archive stories about Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem
- Manage contributor relationships and editorial workflows
- Facilitate public engagement and platform participation
- Collaborate with hubs, partners, and the media
- Administer operations for staff, volunteers, and service providers
- Meet legal and contractual obligations
Lawful bases for processing:
- Consent – for submitted stories, media, and sensitive data
- Contract – where processing is required for agreed services or participation
- Legal obligation – where required by Zimbabwean law
- Legitimate interest – for ecosystem storytelling, research, and platform improvement
- Public interest – for documenting matters relevant to national innovation and development
We do not use automated decision-making that has legal or significant effects on individuals.
5. Children’s Data
In simple terms: We avoid collecting information from individuals under 18. When necessary, we require written consent from a parent or guardian.
We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 18. If minors participate in stories or events, we:
- Obtain verified parental or guardian consent
- Provide age-appropriate explanations
- Prioritise the child’s best interests
6. How We Share Your Data
In simple terms: We only share your information when necessary—usually with trusted partners, regulators, or for editorial purposes.
We may share personal data with:
- Ecosystem partners (under strict data protection agreements)
- Regulators or legal authorities when required
- Researchers, media, or academic institutions (with consent or anonymisation)
Cross-Border Transfers:
- Personal data is primarily stored in Zimbabwe
- Public, anonymised, or published content may be stored on secure servers outside Zimbabwe
- All cross-border transfers comply with CDPA safeguards
7. How We Protect Your Data
In simple terms: We use strong security measures to keep your data safe.
Our safeguards include:
- Encryption and secure access controls
- Firewalls and password protection
- Regular security reviews and risk assessments
- Incident and breach response procedures
8. Your Data Protection Rights
In simple terms: You have rights over your data, including seeing it, correcting it, deleting it, or stopping us from using it.
You have the right to:
- Be informed about how your data is used
- Access your personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to certain types of processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Request restrictions on how your data is used
To exercise these rights, contact our DPO at dpo@assegai.africa or +263 719 719 210.
9. Data Breaches
In simple terms: If your information is at risk, we will notify the regulator and inform you if necessary.
If a data breach occurs, we will:
- Notify POTRAZ within 24 hours
- Inform affected individuals within 72 hours where there is risk of harm
- Document and investigate the breach
- Implement corrective actions
10. Data Retention
In simple terms: We keep your information only as long as necessary.
Our retention approach:
- Personal data is retained no longer than 5 years from submission unless required for ongoing operations
- Published or archived ecosystem stories may be retained indefinitely in anonymised or public form
11. Contact Us
For privacy concerns or to exercise your data rights:
Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Takunda Chingonzo – Assegai Analytics (Pvt) Ltd
Email: dpo@assegai.africa
Tel: +263 719 719 210
For complaints:
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)
Email: dataprotectionunit@dpa.zw | regulator@potraz.zw
Tel: +263 242 333032/46/48
12. Changes to This Privacy Notice
We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time to reflect changes in law or platform operations. Updates will be posted on the Venture Nation website, and we encourage you to review this Notice periodically.