Harare, (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe’s postal and telecommunications sector is set for major transformation in the coming year, driven by accelerated digital adoption, robust infrastructure development, and a growing base of tech-savvy consumers.
According to the 2024 sector performance report produced by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the sector is riding on a wave of increasing demand for mobile and fixed broadband services, boosted by rising smartphone penetration across urban and rural areas.
This digital momentum is fuelling growth in online services, social media engagement, and e-commerce activities nationwide with analysts expecting these trends to shape the direction of digital engagement and connectivity in 2025.
Critical investments in fibre optic networks, data centres, and 5G rollout, said the report are underway and will be vital in bridging the country’s digital divide with such advancements also expected to propel Zimbabwe’s digital economy forward while also supporting regional integration efforts, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, which aims to promote cross-border digital trade.
Competition in the telecommunications and postal markets is projected to intensify, with new entrants expected to drive innovation and price competitiveness.
This should translate to more affordable services for consumers and increased pressure on service providers to deliver better quality.
In a bid to nurture home-grown innovation, universities across the country are establishing innovation hubs, fostering a new wave of technology start-ups among young entrepreneurs, initiatives anticipated to contribute to job creation and support the development of tailored digital solutions for local and regional markets, said POTRAZ.
The rise in e-commerce platforms and online shopping habits said POTRAZ is also projected to increase demand for courier services, creating new business opportunities.
However, the sector’s growth will hinge on the establishment of reliable delivery channels and the formal licensing of currently unregulated courier operators to ensure efficiency and accountability.
Technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are also making their mark across critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and transportation. These tools promise to enhance service delivery, productivity, and sustainable development.
However, industry stakeholders caution that progress may be constrained by high capital requirements and limited access to foreign currency for essential imports and technology upgrades.
Cybersecurity remains a pressing concern as the country advances its digital transformation agenda.
The rising risk of cyber-attacks has amplified calls for comprehensive consumer protection policies and robust data privacy frameworks.
Despite global economic uncertainties, particularly surrounding the “America First” trade policies of the United States, Zimbabwe’s postal and telecommunications industry is expected to post moderate growth in 2025.
Continued investment, innovation, and regulatory support will be key in ensuring the sector thrives in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
New Ziana
