Interesting Uses Of Technology In Zimbabwe
The use of technology in Zimbabwe is quite different to most developed countries . Whilst internet penetration in Zimbabwe is at it’s peak more people in Zimbabwe have little to no access to internet therefore making it difficult to connect and access information via conventional platforms like smartphones and computers.
In recent years people have come up with interesting ways to send information, help people find jobs and educate them. Check out these interesting uses of technology that are common in Zimbabwe.
SMS
Companies, health organizations and media uses SMSs to share news headlines, health tips, events and extending conversations to people living in margins of access to information.
YouTube
Normally most people go on YouTube to watch music videos, in Zimbabwe it’s slightly different. There is a huge culture of online shows. Because people don’t enjoy watching local television, they opt for local online drama or comedy which is shared through Facebook or YouTube videos.
People not only use whatsapp to communicate with family and friends. Most Zimbabwean companies and organizations use Whatsapp just as much as they use telephone to engage and advertise with clients and the public. Chances are that every company has a whatsapp number on their flier or website, something quite foreign in most countries.
Freedom fone
Freedom fone allows anyone with a phone to access or contribute information on a specific issue 24hrs a day. It takes advantage of audio and text to address language and literacy barriers when reaching out to marginalized audiences that don’t have access to other media.
Mobile Banking
A lot of Zimbabweans have turned to mobile banking because of its accessibility and efficiency. This has helped cut traveling costs to banks and helped pave way for easier and cheaper ways to send and receive money. Almost all businesses in Zimbabwe allow purchases for goods and services via mobile money, a culture not widely popular in most countries. Through platforms like ecocash and telecash, mobile banking has allowed many people to have jobs as registered agents.
