Zim’s ICT sector faces key challenges, opportunities
Zimbabwe’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is at a critical juncture, poised to continue growing as it plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic future.
However, significant challenges continue to hinder its full potential. In a meeting held on 26 September 2024 between Government representatives and private sector stakeholders under the membership of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), key issues affecting the ICT industry were thoroughly discussed.
The meeting highlighted infrastructure deficits, policy concerns, the need for local innovation and the impacts of power shortages on the digital economy.
The conversation was a step forward in building the framework necessary to support Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
This article explores the main issues discussed and outlines potential solutions that emerged during the meeting. These solutions reflect the collective will of the Government and private sector stakeholders to improve the country’s ICT landscape for both urban and rural areas.
- Infrastructure and coordination issues
One of the most pressing concerns raised was the need for better coordination between government ministries, particularly in relation to infrastructure development.
The ICT sector has suffered from inconsistent infrastructure planning, leading to redundancies, delays and inefficiencies that could have been avoided through better coordination.
For example, one of the key stakeholders pointed out that ICT infrastructure, such as fibre-optic cables, should be integrated into urban planning from the outset.
The lack of communication between agencies results in digging and re-digging roads to lay ICT cables after other utilities like water and sewer lines have already been installed. This process is not only inefficient but also costly, delaying the rollout of much-needed services to Zimbabweans.
The proposal was made for the Government to adopt a policy that ensures that all future developments automatically include provisions for ICT infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach would prevent the need to retrofit new areas with digital infrastructure, cutting costs and expediting the expansion of internet and mobile services.
Such a policy would also help improve urban connectivity, which is essential for Zimbabwe’s cities to modernise and attract both local and foreign investments.
- Addressing the issue of network vandalism
Vandalism of network infrastructure, particularly the theft of copper cables, was another major concern brought to the table.
Network vandalism disrupts internet services, leading to frequent connectivity issues, especially in remote and marginalised areas. The ongoing theft of cables not only inconveniences citizens but also costs telecom companies millions of dollars in repairs and replacement.
It was agreed that a national policy to mitigate the impacts of vandalism is urgently needed. Solutions proposed during the meeting included stricter regulations and harsher penalties for cable theft.
Additionally, the adoption of technologies such as fibre optics, which are less prone to theft due to their lack of resale value, was highly recommended.
The Government pledged to explore these options further and consider implementing a comprehensive policy framework that would deter vandals while encouraging the adoption of theft-resistant materials.
There was also discussion of the potential for technology-driven solutions, such as using mobile applications to alert authorities when network vandalism occurs. Such solutions could also involve partnerships with local communities, empowering citizens to take an active role in protecting critical infrastructure.
- Wayleave permits and bureaucratic bottlenecks
The issue of wayleave permits—permission required to lay cables and other ICT infrastructure across land owned by local authorities — emerged as a major bottleneck to infrastructure development. The complex and often slow process of obtaining these permits has delayed critical projects and discouraged investments in rural connectivity.
During the discussions, telecom companies voiced their frustration with the challenges in securing wayleave permits. Local authorities were cited as being particularly slow to grant permission, sometimes halting projects for months or even years.
This has slowed the expansion of internet services in both urban and rural areas, depriving communities of the connectivity they need to engage in the digital economy.
To address this issue, there was consensus that the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services needs to collaborate more closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
A working group involving telecom companies, government ministries, and local authorities was proposed as a way to streamline the process and ensure that delays are minimised.
Such collaboration would enable the faster rollout of ICT infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions where development has lagged.
- Power shortages and green ICT solutions
Power shortages have long plagued Zimbabwe and the ICT sector is no exception. The meeting underscored how frequent power cuts have affected both telecom operators and businesses, particularly those reliant on consistent connectivity for their operations. The ICT sector cannot thrive in an environment where power interruptions are a constant threat to service reliability.
Participants at the meeting discussed several potential solutions, including the need for green energy solutions that would lessen the sector’s dependence on the national power grid. Solar-powered computers and other energy-efficient technologies were highlighted as potential ways to mitigate the effects of power outages.
There was also discussion about the possibility of telecom companies partnering with energy providers to explore sustainable solutions, such as the use of solar energy to power base stations and data centers.
By investing in green energy, Zimbabwe’s ICT sector could not only become more resilient to power shortages but also contribute to the country’s sustainability goals. Moreover, such initiatives would align with global trends, as more countries adopt renewable energy solutions to power their ICT infrastructure.
- Local innovation and knowledge transfer
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the importance of fostering local innovation and ensuring that Zimbabwean ICT companies have the skills and resources needed to compete on a global scale.
The Government emphasised its commitment to supporting the development of local talent through initiatives such as the establishment of technology parks and hubs designed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, there are ongoing concerns about the lack of involvement of local companies in large-scale ICT projects, many of which are led by foreign firms. Participants agreed that there needs to be more structured collaboration between foreign and local companies to ensure that knowledge transfer takes place.
This would empower Zimbabwean businesses to build their capacity and ensure that they can take on more significant roles in future projects.
The importance of partnerships between local universities and ICT companies was also emphasized. Such collaborations could help bridge the skills gap and ensure that Zimbabwe produces a workforce capable of driving the country’s digital future.
The development of specialised training programmes and internships was discussed as a way to give students practical experience in the sector, ensuring that they are job-ready upon graduation.
- Rural Connectivity and the Role of Satellite Technology
Rural areas in Zimbabwe remain largely underserved when it comes to connectivity. This digital divide continues to widen the gap between urban and rural communities, limiting access to information, education, and economic opportunities for millions of Zimbabweans.
The meeting discussed several strategies to bridge this divide, with a focus on leveraging satellite technology to deliver internet access to remote areas.
The entry of satellite-based services through Starlink into the Zimbabwean market was seen as a potential game changer, particularly for areas where laying fibre-optic cables is not feasible.
These services could provide reliable internet access to schools, hospitals, and businesses in rural regions, helping to drive economic development and improve quality of life.
However, there were concerns about how to ensure that satellite services are affordable for rural communities, many of whom live below the poverty line. It was proposed that the government explore partnerships with international organisations to help lower the costs of such services.
The Universal Service Fund, which has been used to finance the construction of base stations in rural areas, was also highlighted as a potential mechanism for supporting satellite technology deployment.
- Policy and regulation
Finally, the need for a robust policy framework to support the ICT sector was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Participants stressed that policies must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy were identified as key areas where existing legislation needs to be strengthened. With the growing use of digital platforms for banking, e-commerce, and communication, Zimbabwe must have a comprehensive regulatory framework that protects citizens’ data and ensures secure online environments.
The government reiterated its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to develop policies that foster innovation while protecting the interests of the public. Continuous engagement between the public and private sectors will be critical in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s ICT policies remain responsive to the changing needs of the industry.
Conclusion
The meeting between Government representatives and ICT stakeholders under the ZNCC banner underscored the importance of collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s ICT sector. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, streamlining regulatory processes, promoting local innovation, and exploring green energy solutions, Zimbabwe can unlock the full potential of its digital economy.
As the country continues to modernise, it is clear that the ICT sector will play a central role in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Zimbabweans. Continuous dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors will be essential to ensuring that the country’s digital future is bright.
This article was prepared by the ZNCC for Business Weekly
