Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
HOUSEHOLD internet access in Zimbabwe increased to 60,9 percent in 2025 from 52,1 percent the previous year, reflecting steady progress in the country’s digital transformation agenda, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has said.
The findings are contained in the 2025 ICT Access by Households and Use by Individuals Survey, conducted by ZimStat in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz).
The survey also showed that smartphone ownership among individuals aged three years and above rose from 64,7 percent in 2024 to 73,1 percent in 2025, while mobile phone ownership among people aged 15 years and above reached 96,8 percent.
Internet usage among the same age group also increased to 77,5 percent. ZimStat Director-General Mrs Tafadzwa Bandama said the survey demonstrated the growing role of information and communication technologies in driving Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
“The Government of Zimbabwe recognises Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a crucial catalyst for sustainable socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth,” she said.
“In pursuit of Vision 2030, which aspires to establish an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030, ICT plays a pivotal role in modernising the economy, fostering innovation, enhancing productivity and improving the quality of life for citizens.”
Mrs Bandama said the survey provided critical evidence to support policymaking and investment in the ICT sector.
“This survey offers valuable insights into the current landscape of ICT access and use in Zimbabwe, thereby bridging the digital divide in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of leaving no one and no place behind, as the country progresses towards 2030,” she said.
According to the report, urban households continue to enjoy higher internet connectivity, with 81,7 percent having internet access compared to 30,8 percent in rural areas.
The survey also indicated increasing uptake of emerging technologies, with 37 percent of individuals aged three years and above possessing basic artificial intelligence skills.
The latest findings come as Government continues to accelerate digital transformation through expanded broadband infrastructure, increased mobile connectivity and implementation of the National ICT Policy.
The country has also launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to harness emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve public service delivery and support economic growth.
The ICT Access by Households and Use by Individuals Survey is conducted annually by ZimStat in collaboration with Potraz to measure access to and use of information and communication technologies across Zimbabwe.
The findings provide key indicators for monitoring progress towards Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals while guiding Government policy and investment in digital infrastructure and services.
The 2025 survey was conducted between July and August last year and covered 10 125 households and 24 405 individuals nationwide, achieving a household response rate of 91,9 percent.
