The first quarter of 2025 has been a period of strategic adjustments and significant advancements in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in the realm of mobile telephony. The latest Abridged Sector Performance Report from POTRAZ sheds light on the ongoing efforts by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enhance connectivity, improve quality of service, and boost network speeds across the nation.
Mobile Base Station Deployments
The report provides a detailed quarterly comparison of base station deployments across various technologies, including 2G, 3G, LTE, and 5G. While there was a marginal decrease in 2G base stations, indicating a gradual phasing out of older technologies, the focus has clearly shifted towards more advanced networks. The number of 3G base stations saw a modest increase, and LTE deployments continued to expand, reflecting the sustained demand for high-speed mobile broadband.
Most notably, the first quarter of 2025 witnessed a substantial 53.33% increase in 5G base station deployments. This significant leap underscores the MNOs’ commitment to embracing next-generation technology and preparing the country for future connectivity demands. The push for 5G is a critical step towards delivering ultra-fast speeds and low-latency connections, which are essential for supporting emerging technologies and advanced digital services.
Table: Mobile Base Stations (Q4 2024 vs. Q1 2025).
| Technology |
Q4 2024 |
Q1 2025 |
Net Addition |
Change (%) |
| 2G |
4,969 |
4,962 |
-7 |
-0.14% |
| 3G |
3,725 |
3,748 |
23 |
0.62% |
| LTE |
2,924 |
3,047 |
123 |
4.21% |
| 5G |
120 |
184 |
64 |
53.33% |
Market Share and Operator Dominance
Econet continued to maintain its dominant position in the market, holding the largest share of base stations across all technologies. NetOne followed as the second-largest player, with Telecel holding the third position. This distribution highlights the competitive landscape within the telecommunications sector, where operators are actively investing in infrastructure to capture and retain market share.
International Internet Connectivity
Beyond mobile infrastructure, the report also touches upon international internet connectivity, a crucial aspect of the national telecommunications backbone. Equipped international Internet bandwidth capacity saw a 2.29% increase, reaching 1,433,865 Mbps from 1,401,746 Mbps. More impressively, the used incoming international Internet bandwidth capacity surged by 202.90%, from 889,102 Mbps to 2,693,127 Mbps. Similarly, used outgoing international Internet bandwidth capacity grew by 131.43%, from 169,957 Mbps to 393,323 Mbps. These figures indicate a robust and expanding international gateway, essential for supporting the growing data traffic and global digital interactions.
Outlook
The continued investment in advanced mobile technologies, particularly 5G, and the significant expansion of international internet bandwidth capacity, signal a positive trajectory for Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure. These developments are crucial for fostering digital inclusion, supporting economic growth, and enabling the widespread adoption of digital services across various sectors. The strategic focus on infrastructure development is poised to further enhance the country’s digital capabilities and connectivity in the coming quarters.
