IAP Revenue Inches Up 0.83% to ZWG 2.53 Billion in Q4

By Ross Moyo

Internet Access Providers in Zimbabwe posted modest revenue growth in Q4 2025, with total earnings rising 0.83% to ZWG 2.53 billion, according to the latest POTRAZ sector report.

The increase from ZWG 2.51 billion in Q3 reflects steady demand for fixed internet services despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Operating costs declined 7.06% to ZWG 1.78 billion, signalling improved operational efficiency across the sector.

Capital expenditure edged up 0.74% to ZWG 217.48 million as providers invested in last-mile fibre and wireless backhaul to support 5G rollout.

Active fixed internet subscriptions increased 8.25% to 389,146, driven by growth in fibre, Fixed LTE, and VSAT services.

Fibre subscriptions rose 7.42% to 86,225, while Fixed LTE climbed 6.99% to 143,323, making it the largest fixed broadband technology.

VSAT subscriptions surged 31.62% to 67,057, largely due to Starlink Zimbabwe’s expansion into underserved areas.

Fixed internet data traffic grew 8.86% to 479.94 PB, with Starlink recording a 42.76% jump to 168.21 PB and taking 35.05% market share.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies retained leadership with 48.41% share at 232.32 PB, though its traffic declined 10.54% quarter-on-quarter.

TelOne grew 35.01% to 45.39 PB, holding 9.46% share, while African Fibre Networks increased 32.25% to 10.24 PB.

Average Revenue Per User for IAPs declined 6.86% to ZWG 6,502.57 as subscription growth outpaced revenue growth.

TelOne employed more than half the sector’s workforce, with 1,538 of the 2,521 total IAP staff.

POTRAZ said IAPs are balancing investment with economic realities, focusing on efficiency while expanding coverage.

The sector remains pivotal for enterprise connectivity and 5G backhaul as Zimbabwe transitions to a data-centric economy.