Thokozani Chimbe is an experienced legal and regulatory executive whose career centres on shaping digital policy and regulatory frameworks. Her expertise combines legal practice with technology governance, particularly in telecommunications, cybersecurity, data protection, AI governance, and digital transformation, making her a recognised leader in ICT regulation within Malawi and the broader African digital policy community.

Professional experience summary

• Senior regulatory and legal leadership: She has held leadership roles at the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), where she serves as Director of Legal Services. Her work focuses on developing and overseeing legal and regulatory frameworks for the ICT and telecommunications sector.
• Digital law and telecommunications regulation: She specialises in:
  • ICT and telecommunications law
  • Digital regulation
  • Data protection and privacy
  • Cybersecurity policy
  • Electronic commerce and internet law
  • Regulatory compliance and governance.
• Cybersecurity and digital governance: Her recent professional activity shows a strong emphasis on:
  • AI governance
  • Data governance frameworks
  • Cybersecurity strategy
  • Digital transformation
  • Information governance
  • Regulatory approaches to emerging technologies. She regularly shares insights on these topics and advocates for stronger digital policy across Africa.
• Policy development and stakeholder engagement: Her experience includes supporting national ICT policy, legislative drafting, regulatory enforcement, and representing Malawi in regional and international discussions on digital regulation and cybersecurity. She has also been involved in initiatives promoting cybersecurity awareness and increasing women’s participation in cybersecurity.

Education and professional development

Her academic and professional background includes:

• Master’s degree in Computer and Communications Law from Queen Mary University of London.
• LLB (Honours) from the University of Malawi.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting.
• Professional training in telecommunications regulation, competition policy, and telecommunications management through programmes such as the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) and the University of the Witwatersrand.