The Zimbabwean government has called on telecom operators to lower internet prices in a bid to accelerate digital adoption and support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera made the appeal on January 20 during a stakeholder engagement meeting for the postal and telecommunications sector. She stressed that affordability remains a major barrier to digital inclusion and that operators should proactively review pricing models and service delivery frameworks.
Mavetera said the government is also examining tax burdens and other cost factors to create a more conducive environment for telecom operators. However, she added that even under current operating conditions, there is scope for companies to reduce tariffs while maintaining or improving service quality.
Data costs in Zimbabwe are among the highest in the region, limiting internet adoption and access to digital services such as e-learning, telemedicine, remote work, and online platforms for start-ups and public service delivery. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 5 GB of mobile internet in Zimbabwe cost 12.9% of gross national income per capita in 2023, while fixed broadband represented 12.8%. The ITU considers internet services affordable when this ratio does not exceed 2%. Internet penetration in Zimbabwe stood at just 38.4% in 2023.
High internet prices are compounded by other challenges, including the cost of smartphones, limited digital skills, network coverage gaps, perceptions of relevance, customer experience issues, and concerns over security and ethical use of digital platforms.
The ministry’s push comes amid a wider regional and global recognition that affordable internet is key to expanding economic opportunities, improving education and health services, and fostering innovation. Mavetera’s appeal signals a policy focus on making digital services more accessible to a broader segment of the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The government said it will continue engaging with operators, regulators, and stakeholders to identify practical measures to reduce tariffs, improve service quality, and expand coverage. Officials emphasized that lowering costs is a critical step toward inclusive digital growth and achieving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation goals.
