A new sector report shows record-breaking data consumption, with experts pointing to a fundamental shift in how Zimbabweans work, learn, and connect. HARARE – Zimbabweans are consuminginternet dataat an unprecedented rate, according to the latest official figures, signalling a rapid acceleration of the country’s digital transformation. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) reported that mobile internet traffic surged by 17.31% in the second quarter of 2025, reaching a staggering 130.14 Petabytes.
The growth wasn’t confined to mobile networks.Data trafficon fixed-line internet networks also saw a significant 12% increase, climbing to 372.4 Petabytes. This insatiable appetite for connectivity is further evidenced by a 7.4% rise in active internet subscriptions, pushing the national internet penetration rate to 81.83%. “These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent a fundamental shift in our economy and society,” said Dr Gift Machengete, the Director General ofPOTRAZ, in the report.
He linked the growth to growing confidence in an improved economic environment and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. “The 17% jump in mobile data is phenomenal. It tells you that the internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a core utility for the average Zimbabwean,” said Tendai Mupita, a technology analyst at Digital Frontier Africa.
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“People are running their businesses on WhatsApp, attending meetings on Zoom, and entertaining themselves on YouTube and Netflix. This level of integration is what defines a digitally maturing nation.” To support this demand, the report noted a near 10% increase in used international internet bandwidth capacity, indicating that service providers are actively scaling their infrastructure. T he sector also witnessed a massive 26% increase in capital expenditure by mobile operators, likely directed towards expanding high-speed LTE and 5G networks.
This digital surge presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises greater connectivity and economic participation, it also highlights the urgent need to bridge the remaining digital divide for the 18% of the population not yet online and to bolster cybersecurity measures to protect a increasingly digital-dependent populace.
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