Mobile internet access surges as Zimbabwe embraces digital shift

Zimbabwe's digital transformation is gaining momentum, with internet access and mobile phone ownership reaching record levels, although declining computer ownership highlights the country's increasing dependence on smartphones as the main gateway to the digital economy.

The 2025 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Access by Households and Use by Individuals Survey, conducted jointly by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), shows that household internet access increased significantly to 75.5% in 2025, up from 50.1% in 2020.

The survey, which covered 9,245 households across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces and achieved a 91.3% response rate, provides a detailed assessment of the country's evolving digital landscape.

Mobile phone ownership remains the strongest driver of connectivity, with 96.4% of households now owning at least one handset compared to 89.6% in 2020. Urban areas recorded near-universal access at 99.2%, while rural communities also reported high penetration levels of 94.5%.

The findings show that smartphones have become the dominant tool for accessing the internet, with 92% of internet-connected households relying on mobile broadband services.

The shift confirms Zimbabwe's move towards a mobile-first digital economy, where smartphones are increasingly being used for financial services, online commerce, education, communication and access to government platforms.

However, the report also highlights a growing challenge: declining ownership of computers. Household computer ownership fell from 14.2% in 2020 to 11.2% in 2025, with a significant gap between urban and rural communities. While 21.2% of urban households own computers, only 4.7% of rural households have access to such devices.

Among households with computers, laptops account for the majority of devices, representing 84.4% of ownership.

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said Government was adopting a mobile-first approach while working to expand access to locally produced computing devices.

"We are building a mobile-first, computer-enabled system, with smartphones serving as our foundation," Mavetera said.

She said Government was working with relevant ministries to identify digital skills requirements, develop training programmes and explore incentives to support local manufacturing of devices such as laptops.

"By 2027, we want to provide devices for all of our initiatives. To support this vision, we need to introduce tax incentives. Ultimately, we are pushing for a homegrown solution; we want to produce rather than import," she said.

ZIMSTAT Director-General Tafadzwa Bandama said the survey would provide important data to guide implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Zimbabwe's ICT Policy for 2026–2030.

"It is anticipated that the findings will inform ICT policies, interventions and investment decisions, thereby bridging the digital divide in line with Zimbabwe's national mantra of leaving no one and no place behind," Bandama said.

The survey comes as Zimbabwe seeks to position itself for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, digital services and advanced connectivity.

While rising mobile internet access reflects significant progress, analysts warn that the decline in computer ownership could limit the country's ability to fully participate in the global digital economy. They argue that expanding affordable access to computers, improving digital skills and strengthening infrastructure will be critical if Zimbabwe is to move beyond basic connectivity towards meaningful digital inclusion.