Zimbabwe Fourth Most Expensive Data in Africa

It takes long for Zimbabweans to reach a million views due to the data. While a lot of local businesses and brands are trying to move with technology the biggest limitation is expensive data.

According to Research ICT Africa (RIA), Zimbabwe ranks fourth on the most expensive internet data in Africa.

The country’s cheapest data costs around $30. Most Zimbabweans are limited in their browsing and temd to go offline. According to African Freedom of Expression Exchange‘s (AFEX) Internet Freedom in Africa: Baseline Report of Eight Countries.

“There is an urgent need to address these so a lot more people can access and use the internet for social, political, economic and personal development,” states the report.

“The high cost of data services is what has, in part, brought about zero-rated or cheap bundle access to Facebook and other social media applications by mobile operators through what has come to be known as Facebook Zero.”

Other challenges include lack of relevant content, regulatory challenges, lack of digital literacy among others according to the baseline report.

Ahead of Zimbabwe are South Sudan (US$128.01), Guinea-Bissau ($US58.29) and Swaziland (US$35.26) according to RIA.

AFEX is a continental network made up of some of the most influential media rights and freedom of expression organisations across the West, East, Central and Southern Africa regions.

The organisation created a baseline report focused on Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.