Zimbabwe Records Major Digital Growth, but High Internet and Smartphone Costs Remain a Challenge
Zimbabwe has recorded its highest levels of mobile phone ownership and internet connectivity, with new figures showing that digital access continues to expand across the country even as the high cost of devices and internet services remains a major obstacle for many households.
The findings are contained in the 2025 ICT Access by Households and Use by Individuals Survey conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) in partnership with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
Also Read: Zimbabwe To Register All Mobile Phone Handsets To Fight Cybercrime
Mobile Phone Ownership Reaches New High
According to the survey, 96.4 percent of households now have access to a mobile phone, with ownership exceeding 90 percent in every province.
Smartphone ownership has also increased significantly, reaching 75.1 percent of households nationwide. However, the report highlights a noticeable gap between urban and rural communities.
While 87.4 percent of urban households own smartphones, the figure falls to 65.9 percent in rural areas, reflecting continuing inequalities in access to digital technology.
Internet Access Continues to Expand
The survey found that 75.5 percent of households now have internet access at home, while mobile network coverage has reached 92.5 percent of households across Zimbabwe.
Most internet users continue to rely on mobile broadband, with more than nine out of every 10 household connections accessed through mobile handsets.
The report notes that the latest findings represent continued progress in expanding digital connectivity and will help measure the country’s performance under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Cost of Devices and Data Remains Biggest Obstacle
Despite improvements in access, affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to digital inclusion.
The survey found that the cost of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices is the main reason many households remain offline.
Among households without internet access, more than half said they could not afford suitable devices, while over a third cited the high cost of internet services.
The report also found that many people who do not use the internet lack the necessary digital skills, further limiting participation in the country’s growing digital economy.
Authorities say the findings will help shape future policies aimed at improving digital inclusion, particularly in underserved rural communities where access to affordable devices and connectivity remains limited.
The post Zimbabwe Sees Record Growth in Mobile and Internet Access Despite Affordability Challenges appeared first on iHarare News.
