Top 5 Tech Trends Shaping Zimbabwe in 2025

Zimbabwe's technology landscape is evolving quickly, with major changes anticipated in 2025. In 2024, the arrival of Starlink and a drop in internet prices sparked innovation and drove growth across various tech sectors. Here are the top five tech predictions for the year, focusing on trends that will shape the nation's digital future.

1. More Government Services Coming Online

In recent years, the Zimbabwean government has digitized many services through its eGovernment system. Public procurement, visa applications, school results portals, and license applications are just a few examples. In 2025, this trend will likely expand to include online applications for passports and birth certificates.

Beyond convenience, this shift towards digitization is expected to bring broader benefits. Reduced paperwork and in-person interactions mean fewer opportunities for corruption. Additionally, digitized records enable better data management, which can be leveraged for national planning and policy development. For citizens, it’s a game-changer, offering faster access to essential services, especially for those in remote areas who previously had to travel long distances.

2. A Surge in Local App Development

The coming year is poised to be a breakthrough for local app developers. Zimbabwean innovators are increasingly focusing on creating solutions tailored to local challenges. Unlike global tech giants, local developers deeply understand these issues and see opportunities where others don’t.

For example, the ZIG Calculator, we launched in 2024, was widely praised for addressing specific local needs like calculating complex currency conversions in real-time—a feature that resonates with Zimbabweans navigating a multi-currency environment. In 2025, we expect more such apps targeting sectors like agriculture, health, and education. Apps designed for farmers to efficiently manage crops or platforms to help consumers get better prices and services are just some areas ripe for innovation. This surge in app development will not only address unique local challenges but also drive job creation in the tech sector.

3. Increased Competition in Mobile Money Services

Zimbabwe’s mobile money market became fiercely competitive in 2024, and 2025 is expected to amplify this trend. Service providers will introduce more features and refine existing ones to attract users.

Expect to see providers venturing into areas like micro-loans, savings products, and even insurance—all accessible through mobile platforms. As urban and rural users demand more convenience, interoperability between different mobile money platforms might finally become a reality, allowing seamless transactions across services. Lower transaction fees, spurred by competition, will also be a key highlight, benefiting consumers and small businesses alike. These developments are likely to deepen financial inclusion and solidify mobile money’s role as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s digital economy.

4. Cheaper Internet Access

The entry of Starlink into Zimbabwe in 2024 disrupted the local internet market, forcing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to lower prices, introduce better bundles, and increase speeds. However, Starlink’s early impact was short-lived due to capacity issues, leading to a temporary halt in kit sales for Harare and nearby areas.

In 2025, Starlink’s promised capacity expansion could reignite competition, driving local ISPs to innovate further. Beyond just cheaper internet, we might see wider adoption of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, as providers aim to differentiate themselves through reliability and speed. Additionally, rural areas, historically underserved by ISPs, could finally see better connectivity through other satellite internet solutions. Affordable and fast internet is not just about convenience; it’s the foundation for remote work, online education, and digital entrepreneurship.

5. Affordable Solar Panels and Batteries

Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages have made solar power a popular alternative. In 2024, the prices of solar panels and lithium batteries dropped significantly, enabling more households and businesses to adopt renewable energy solutions. This trend is set to continue in 2025, making solar installations more accessible to a larger population.

As global demand for renewable energy components rises, production efficiency has improved, leading to cost reductions. Also as competition in the solar market intensifies, companies are expected to introduce better financing options, such as pay-as-you-go solar models. These models will enable even low-income households to access reliable energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators. With advancements in battery technology, users can expect improved energy storage solutions, allowing for extended power availability during outages.

Conclusion

The tech scene in Zimbabwe is gearing up for a transformative year in 2025. From more efficient government services to a thriving local app ecosystem, cheaper internet, and sustainable energy solutions, the future looks promising. These advancements won’t just reshape industries; they’ll impact lives on a fundamental level, making 2025 a pivotal year for the nation’s digital growth. The challenge now lies in ensuring these changes are inclusive and accessible to all Zimbabweans, driving both innovation and equitable development.