Outlook: Zimbabwe Transitions to Data-Centric Digital Economy in 2026

By Ross Moyo

Zimbabwe’s postal and telecommunications sector is rapidly transitioning to a data-centric ecosystem in 2026, POTRAZ said.

The shift is driven by accelerated 4G, 5G and fibre infrastructure deployment.

Mobile internet/data traffic grew 11.27% to 160.33 PB in Q4 2025, while fixed traffic rose 8.86% to 479.94 PB.

Internet penetration reached 84.55% and broadband penetration 82.63%.

5G sites increased 14.73% to 366, with 18.9% urban population coverage.

Mobile revenue grew 6.33% to ZWG 7.74 billion, with data contributing 50.75%.

IAP revenue rose 0.83% to ZWG 2.53 billion, while costs fell 7.06%.

The launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030 will catalyse AI adoption.

Fibre backbone reached 14,357 km, with Liquid holding 32.3% share.

VSAT subscriptions surged 31.62% to 67,057, led by Starlink.

POTRAZ said growth will depend on balancing infrastructure investment with economic realities.

The sector is moving toward a fully integrated digital economy.