PDPC launches special training for DPOs

DODOMA: THE Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has announced the rollout of a special training programme targeting Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from both public and private institutions, with sessions expected to commence in June 2025.

Speaking to journalists in Dodoma yesterday on behalf of the Acting Commission’s Director General, Mr Stephen Wangwe said the initiative aims to strengthen compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, which came into force on May 1, 2023.

“This training will simplify the implementation of the law for public and private institutions,” said Mr Wangwe, noting that the official announcement for registration will be released early next week through the Commission’s website and other media platforms.

He explained that registration will be done through a dedicated system prior to participation in the training, which will be conducted in cohorts of 400 participants.

The programme will offer comprehensive knowledge on the roles, responsibilities and obligations of Data Protection Officers.

“Participants will be guided step-by-step on how to execute their duties, including the preparation and submission of quarterly compliance reports to the Commission, as well as strategies for implementing data protection frameworks within their institutions,” he said.

Mr Wangwe noted that the training will be facilitated by seasoned experts from the Commission who possess vast experience and expertise in data protection matters, with the objective of building the capacity of institutions to meet both national and international standards of personal data protection.

“These sessions are critical for the development of our nation and for ensuring the privacy and security of personal information,” he stated.

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He called on all public and private institutions, whether already registered or not, to seize the opportunity and take part in the training.

“It is not mandatory that only the institution’s designated DPO attends. Institutions are allowed to register more than one participant,” he clarified.

Mr Wangwe further urged institutions to submit the names of their designated Data Protection Officers and any other staff members they wish to equip with this essential knowledge, emphasising that such training is key to promoting the right to privacy and protecting personal data.

On the registration of institutions, he said that so far, a total of 9,145 institutions have been registered with the Commission, while over 2,000 others are currently being processed.

“This registration exercise is ongoing and institutions that have not yet initiated the process are encouraged to do so,” he said.

The PDPC was established under the Personal Data Protection Act, Cap 44, to oversee and enforce the law and plays a critical role in promoting accountability and compliance with data privacy principles across Tanzania.

The law, passed by Parliament in November 2022, officially came into effect on May 1, 2023.