Policy Brief: The Future of Zimbabwe’s Media Economy in 2025

1. Introduction

Zimbabwe’s media economy in 2025 is shaped by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and shifting funding dynamics. With internet penetration projected to reach 75% (ITU, 2024), digital platforms and alternative media are redefining content consumption. However, challenges such as the withdrawal of US funding, the contentious ZBC licensing regime, and evolving digital advertising trends demand strategic policy interventions to ensure sustainability and diversity in the sector.

2. Key Trends and Challenges

2.1 Withdrawal of US Funding and Financial Pressures
The reduction of foreign funding, including US support, risks destabilizing media organizations reliant on external grants. This necessitates a shift toward domestic revenue models, such as digital advertising and subscription-based services. Zimbabwe’s media must leverage platforms like Google AdSense, which could grow in relevance as internet access expands, particularly among urban populations where mobile penetration exceeds 93% (POTRAZ, 2024).

2.2 ZBC Licensing and Vehicle Licensing Linkage
The amended Broadcasting Services Act mandates ZBC license fees as a prerequisite for vehicle licensing, aiming to bolster the state broadcaster’s revenue (Government of Zimbabwe, 2023). However, this policy faces criticism for perceived bias, as ZBC is accused of favoring ruling-party narratives (MISA Zimbabwe, 2024). Critics argue that coercive collection undermines public trust and fails to address systemic governance issues, such as lack of transparency in ZBC’s budgeting (Media Institute of Southern Africa, 2024).

2.3 Digital Advertising and Internet Penetration
Zimbabwe’s internet penetration, projected at 75.4% by 2025 (ITU, 2024), creates opportunities for digital advertising. Platforms like YouTube and local news sites are increasingly monetizing content through AdSense, though rural-urban disparities in connectivity (e.g., Harare’s dominance in infrastructure) limit equitable growth (POTRAZ, 2024). Enhanced 5G rollout and affordable data tariffs could democratize access, enabling smaller media entities to compete (World Bank, 2024).

2.4 Alternative Media and Pluralism
The rise of online streaming, social media, and community radio stations challenges ZBC’s monopoly. Over 60% of Zimbabweans now access news via smartphones (Afrobarometer, 2024), fostering demand for independent outlets. However, regulatory constraints on licensing and fears of politicized oversight (e.g., presidential appointments to the Zimbabwe Media Commission) threaten this diversity (MISA Zimbabwe, 2024).

3. Policy Recommendations

1. Reform ZBC Governance: Decouple ZBC funding from coercive licensing and instead adopt a public service model with parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability and impartiality (Media Institute of Southern Africa, 2024).
2. Accelerate Digital Infrastructure: Prioritize rural internet expansion under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to bridge connectivity gaps and support digital advertising markets (Government of Zimbabwe, 2023).
3. Encourage Media Pluralism: Simplify licensing for community radios and online platforms, aligning regulations with constitutional guarantees of media freedom (MISA Zimbabwe, 2024).
4. Diversify Revenue Streams: Promote public-private partnerships to offset lost foreign funding, while incentivizing local advertisers to invest in digital platforms (World Bank, 2024).
5. Strengthen Regulatory Independence: Restructure the Zimbabwe Media Commission to reduce executive influence and ensure equitable media oversight (Afrobarometer, 2024).

4. Conclusion

Zimbabwe’s media economy in 2025 hinges on balancing technological progress with inclusive governance. While internet growth and alternative media offer avenues for democratization, outdated licensing laws and funding instability risk perpetuating inequality. A reformed, adaptive regulatory framework—centered on transparency, innovation, and pluralism—is critical to fostering a resilient and diverse media ecosystem.

References

Afrobarometer. (2024). Media consumption trends in Zimbabwe: A focus on digital platforms. Retrieved from https://www.afrobarometer.org

Government of Zimbabwe. (2023). Broadcasting Services Amendment Act. Harare: Government Printers.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2024). Internet penetration rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). (2024). State of media freedom in Zimbabwe. Retrieved from https://www.misa.org

Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). (2024). Quarterly sector performance report. Harare: POTRAZ.

World Bank. (2024). Digital infrastructure development in Zimbabwe: Challenges and opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org