Rural Connectivity Expands Under Zimbabwe’s Broadband Push

NetOne Expands 5G and LTE Footprint as Data Usage and Subscriber Base Continue to Rise…

By Evans Jona

Zimbabwe’s digital transformation has been unfolding gradually, shaped by the rapid evolution of global technology and the country’s own efforts to modernize its communications infrastructure. While the urban–rural digital divide still exists, it is no longer defined solely by network coverage, but increasingly by affordability, access to devices, and the ability of citizens to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

According to sector insights from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), connectivity across the country has improved significantly in recent years, with mobile networks now reaching most parts of both urban and rural Zimbabwe. The challenge, however, has shifted. It is less about whether people are connected, and more about whether they can afford the tools required to fully participate in the digital space.

Industry observers note that the cost of smartphones, tablets, and other internet-enabled devices remains prohibitively high for many households, particularly in rural communities and lower-income urban areas. This has created a new kind of digital inequality, one not of signal availability, but of access to technology itself.

In earlier years, mobile connectivity was a luxury. A SIM card, at one point, could cost more than US$300, placing basic communication out of reach for many citizens. Today, that reality has dramatically changed. With as little as a dollar, Zimbabweans can now acquire a SIM card and access mobile networks almost instantly, a shift that underscores how far the telecommunications sector has evolved in terms of affordability and inclusion.

Yet, this affordability in connectivity contrasts sharply with the cost of devices required to use those services.

This imbalance has sparked renewed calls from stakeholders and innovators for local solutions, including the development of home-grown smartphones, tablets, or low-cost smart devices tailored to the Zimbabwean market.

Advocates argue that such innovation could help bridge the remaining gap between connectivity and meaningful digital participation, particularly as the country transitions toward a data-driven economy.

A major illustration of this ongoing transformation is reflected in the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) Fourth Quarter 2025 Sector Performance Report, which highlights significant growth in mobile internet usage and rural network expansion, particularly by state-owned operator NetOne.

The report shows that NetOne recorded an 18.50 percent increase in mobile internet and data traffic during the fourth quarter of 2025, rising from 25.29 billion megabytes in the third quarter to 29.97 billion megabytes. This growth not only reflects increased demand for digital services but also signals a broader shift from traditional voice communication to data-driven platforms.

In terms of market performance, NetOne also expanded its subscriber base from 4,062,894 active users to 4,101,492 within the same period. This steady growth has been attributed to ongoing infrastructure investments, particularly in broadband technologies.

POTRAZ noted that NetOne continued rolling out 3G, LTE, and 5G infrastructure, with 89 new LTE base stations added during the reporting period. The company also increased its 5G sites from 21 to 26, further strengthening high-speed connectivity options in both urban and rural areas.

A particularly notable development highlighted in the report is NetOne’s role in rural telecommunications expansion. The operator now controls 46.14 percent of Zimbabwe’s rural base stations, positioning it as one of the leading contributors to rural digital infrastructure development.

This expansion is expected to have far-reaching social and economic impacts. Improved rural connectivity is increasingly linked to enhanced access to online education, telemedicine, mobile banking, and digital commerce, services that are becoming central to modern livelihoods.

Speaking on the company’s performance, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani emphasised that the growth reflects a deliberate commitment to digital inclusion. He stated that the company’s investments are aimed at “connecting communities, empowering businesses and accelerating Zimbabwe’s digital transformation through resilient and accessible network infrastructure.”

Beyond infrastructure, NetOne has also expanded its service offerings, introducing affordable broadband packages, the OneMoney mobile financial platform, and targeted data bundles designed for students, entrepreneurs, and rural users. These initiatives are intended to support broader participation in the digital economy, particularly among underserved populations.

The company has also extended its footprint beyond telecommunications services through corporate social responsibility programmes. These include borehole drilling in drought-prone regions, support for schools through digital learning tools, and partnerships with healthcare institutions to improve community wellness outcomes.

Internally, the report also highlights progress in gender inclusion, noting that women now constitute 436 of NetOne’s 1,045 employees—an indication of gradual but steady improvement in workplace diversity within the sector.

Engineer Mushanawani’s leadership has also received recognition, with his induction into the Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2026, acknowledging his role in transforming NetOne into a modern digital services provider aligned with national development goals.

As Zimbabwe deepens its digital transformation agenda under frameworks such as the National Development Strategy and emerging artificial intelligence policies, attention is increasingly turning toward human capital development. This includes initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in technology fields.

Zimbabwe is preparing to commemorate the 2026 International Girls in ICT Day on May 15, 2026, at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo. The event, coordinated by POTRAZ, is expected to bring together more than 2,000 young women and girls from across the country.

The global initiative, established by the International Telecommunication Union in 2011, aims to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT and STEM fields. This year’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in global economic development.

POTRAZ has indicated that the 2026 commemoration will also include boys in the discussions, promoting a more inclusive approach to digital education and innovation. The broader objective is to ensure that young people are not merely consumers of technology, but active creators, innovators, and leaders shaping Zimbabwe’s digital future across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, governance, and industry.

About The Author