Source: Minister Mavetera calls for lower data costs to boost digital inclusion – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Ms Tatenda Mavetera, has called on mobile network operators to reduce data costs, saying affordability is a key driver of digital inclusion and economic growth.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Harare on Monday, Minister Mavetera said data affordability was key to digital inclusion and economic growth.
“Allow me to turn briefly to an issue that directly affects every citizen and every business represented here—the cost of ICT services, particularly data,” she said.
While acknowledging the operational pressures faced by operators including infrastructure costs, power shortages, foreign currency challenges and regulatory obligations, Minister Mavetera said the Government was actively engaging relevant ministries to ease the fiscal and regulatory burden on the sector.
“We are engaging the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to review the tax and fiscal burden on the sector,” she said.
“At the same time, we are working closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to address municipal charges and wayleaves that affect network deployment and expansion.”
However, the minister said operators also have room to adjust tariffs under current conditions.
“There remains scope for operators to reduce tariffs further and improve service quality,” Minister Mavetera said.
“Increased affordability is not only a social imperative; it is also a growth strategy. Lower data costs drive higher usage, expand customer bases, stimulate innovation and ultimately improve sector revenues through volume growth.”
Minister Mavetera urged operators to review pricing models and service delivery frameworks and said the Government stands ready to continue engaging, facilitating and supporting solutions that balance commercial sustainability with national development objectives.
Zimbabwe’s mobile penetration now exceeds 103 percentage, highlighting the growing importance of affordable data for businesses, students and households.
Minister Mavetera’s call comes as part of the Government’s broader strategy to develop a fully digital economy in line with the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan and Vision 2030.
The post Minister Mavetera calls for lower data costs to boost digital inclusion appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.