Voice Calls Hit 5.07 Billion Minutes in Zimbabwe as Usage Surges
Zimbabwe recorded a surge in mobile voice usage in the final quarter of 2025, with users spending more than 5 billion minutes on calls.
The increase comes despite a global shift toward instant messaging platforms.
Also Read: Data Rollover Exists: POTRAZ Explains Zimbabwe’s Policy on Data Carry-Over and Transfer
Voice Traffic Defies Global Trends
According to the latest report by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), total mobile voice traffic reached 5.07 billion minutes in the fourth quarter, marking a 9.04 percent increase from the previous quarter.
The volume is equivalent to a single individual speaking continuously for nearly 10,000 years, highlighting the scale of mobile communication in the country.
Affordable Bundles Drive Growth
POTRAZ attributed the rise in voice calls to the growing popularity of on-net bundles and promotional offers, which make calls within the same network more affordable for consumers.
While voice usage increased, SMS volumes declined by 3.49 percent to 2.77 billion messages as more users turned to internet-based messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.
Mobile Penetration Exceeds Population
The growth in mobile usage pushed Zimbabwe’s mobile penetration rate to 107.04 percent, up from 104.8 percent in the previous quarter. This means there are now more active SIM cards than people, as consumers continue to use multiple lines to take advantage of competitive tariffs.
Data Usage Continues to Rise
Despite the strong performance in voice traffic, data consumption remains the dominant force shaping the telecommunications sector. Mobile internet usage rose by 11.27 percent to 160.33 petabytes, while fixed internet traffic increased by 8.86 percent to 479.94 petabytes.
“This robust growth in internet/data traffic continues to indicate a powerful and potentially accelerated shift towards more data-intensive consumption habits,” POTRAZ said.
Internet penetration also climbed to 84.55 percent, reflecting wider access to digital services across the country.
Network Expansion Gains Momentum
Telecommunications operators stepped up infrastructure development, adding 47 new 5G base stations to bring the national total to 366. Additional 3G and LTE (4G) sites were also rolled out to improve connectivity and service quality.
Investment in the sector surged, with capital expenditure rising by 112 percent as companies expanded next-generation networks to meet growing demand.
Postal Sector Faces Decline
In contrast, the postal and courier segment continued to struggle as digital alternatives replace traditional mail. Volumes dropped by 19.09 percent to 291,106 items, while the cost-to-income ratio rose to 117.5 percent, indicating rising operational pressures.
Outlook Remains Data-Driven
Looking ahead, POTRAZ expects the telecommunications sector to remain firmly focused on data services, with continued growth in internet usage and further investment in digital infrastructure anticipated in 2026.
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