By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – Government has removed the mandatory 75 percent local ownership requirement for telecommunications and postal operators through Statutory Instrument 111 of 2026, a policy shift expected to improve investment attractiveness, accelerate digital infrastructure development and support Zimbabwe’s digital economy ambitions under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The new Statutory Instrument amends the framework established under Statutory Instrument 101 of 2026, which had required prospective licence holders to be at least 75 percent owned by Zimbabwean citizens or entities meeting the same ownership threshold before qualifying for licensing.
By removing the mandatory shareholding requirement, Government has signalled a more flexible investment framework for the telecommunications and postal sectors. The policy adjustment is expected to improve investor confidence by allowing greater participation by both domestic and international investors in one of the country’s fastest-growing strategic sectors.
The telecommunications industry remains a critical enabler of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda. Increased investment has the potential to accelerate the expansion of broadband infrastructure, improve network coverage, enhance service quality and stimulate innovation in digital services that support commerce, education, healthcare and public service delivery.
The revised ownership framework also aligns with Government’s objective of creating a competitive and investment-friendly business environment capable of attracting capital, technology and specialised expertise. Modern telecommunications infrastructure is increasingly recognised as a prerequisite for industrialisation, financial inclusion and the growth of Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
The policy shift is also expected to facilitate faster deployment of emerging technologies, including next-generation mobile networks, cloud services and digital platforms, while strengthening the country’s capacity to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Industry players that had begun restructuring ownership arrangements to comply with the previous regulations will now operate under a more flexible licensing framework, allowing them to refocus resources towards infrastructure expansion, service innovation and market growth.
Although Government is yet to outline the detailed policy considerations behind the amendment, the move reflects an adaptive regulatory approach that seeks to balance national interests with the need to attract investment into strategic sectors that drive productivity and economic competitiveness.
As Zimbabwe continues implementing the National Development Strategy 2, strengthening the ICT sector remains central to achieving digital transformation, improving ease of doing business and positioning the country as a competitive destination for technology-driven investment. The revised telecommunications ownership framework is therefore expected to contribute to building a modern, inclusive and innovation-led economy.
