El-Nino drought to reduce internet usage in Zimbabwe as food takes priority

Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

THE El-Nino-induced drought affecting Zimbabwe may significantly contribute to the reduced use of internet services in the country, as people will prioritize food over data, according to the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).

In the Abridged Postal & Telecommunications Sector Performance Report for the First Quarter of 2024, Potraz said “the sector may suffer the negative spill-over effects of the El Nino-induced drought, which is likely to reduce aggregate demand.”

Potraz added that due to reduced disposable income, people will cut back on the usage of social media platforms and streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube.

“Hence, demand for telecommunication services may contract as consumers prioritize food over data. The drought is likely to result in reduced disposable incomes, especially for agro-based businesses at both the primary and secondary production levels, thereby forcing consumers to cut back on discretionary spending on data-centric ICT applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and other social media platforms, among others. This may result in reduced consumption of services,” stated the report.

Download report here:

The El-Nino drought may also impact power generation, as the water levels at Kariba Dam have not risen, thus affecting the quality of internet and telecommunication services.

“This indirectly affects the sector, as it heavily relies on commercial power for the provision of telecommunication services. Power cuts, due to depressed power generation, impact the quality of service and increase the cost of service provision for operators as they are forced to rely on alternative sources of power,” read the report.