Thursday 22 January 2026
Zim GBC News | Business Correspondent
HARARE – The Government has announced a major review of levies and taxes on telecommunications services, aiming to significantly reduce the cost of data and voice calls.
This initiative is a key part of broader national efforts to bridge the digital divide and build a modern, inclusive digital economy.
The policy shift was outlined during the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services’ annual stakeholder engagement forum. The meeting, which reviewed sector performance and contributed to the forthcoming 2026 Strategic Action Plan, saw direct input from industry leaders.
Telecommunications operators, represented by the Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ), highlighted the primary cost drivers keeping tariffs high. These include a range of regulatory fees, municipal charges, and other statutory costs.
In a decisive response, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, confirmed the Government is already acting on these concerns.
“The concerns raised by the telcos require urgent action, and Government has already slashed levies and fees for the ICT sector,” Minister Mavetera stated.
“The reduction of levies for Municipal Authorities will ultimately go a long way to reduce the cost drivers for data and voice.”
The move builds on ongoing work to expand digital access. Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) Director-General, Dr. Gift Machengete, reported progress, particularly in underserved areas.
“Our digital centres across the country are making a positive impact in terms of giving young people access to modern digital equipment and infrastructure,” Dr. Machengete said.
Officials confirmed that a revised regulatory framework is being finalized. Once the relevant Statutory Instrument is gazetted, the changes are expected to translate into more competitive tariffs for consumers, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
This levy reform is a cornerstone of the Government’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to improve service affordability, expand connectivity nationwide, and position ICTs as a critical engine for economic growth and improved service delivery.
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