Zimbabwe Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Zimbabwe's mobile subscriptions was 94.24 in 2025, ranked 148th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's mobile subscriptions stood at 94.24 in 2025, a rise of +2.61 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 94.24 by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 148th globally.
Zimbabwe’s mobile‑subscription rate has risen from zero in 1960 to 94.24 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, placing the country 148th in the world. The rapid expansion reached its apex in 2013 with a peak of 97.28 subscriptions per 100 people, a level only marginally higher than the current figure and comparable to peer nations such as Rwanda (94.54) and Canada (94.84). The all‑time trough of zero subscriptions in 1996 reflects the pre‑liberalisation era, after which market reforms and the entry of multiple network operators spurred a sustained uptake. Over the 53‑year coverage span, the growth trajectory has been largely linear, with only minor fluctuations since the 2013 high point. Continued investment in 4G/5G infrastructure and reductions in service costs could push Zimbabwe’s penetration above the current plateau, potentially narrowing the gap with higher‑ranking peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 95.69 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 94.24 | - | - |
| 2025 | 94.24 | +2.61 | #148 |
| 2023 | 91.63 | +2.64 | #131 |
| 2022 | 89.00 | −1.26 | #162 |
| 2021 | 90.25 | +5.29 | #154 |
| 2020 | 84.96 | −1.45 | #160 |
| 2019 | 86.41 | +0.55 | #158 |
| 2018 | 85.86 | −9.27 | #147 |
| 2017 | 95.14 | +6.93 | #133 |
| 2016 | 88.21 | −0.39 | #142 |
| 2015 | 88.60 | +5.55 | #144 |
| 2014 | 83.05 | −14.24 | #145 |
| 2013 | 97.28 | +6.00 | #122 |
| 2012 | 91.29 | +23.62 | #124 |
| 2011 | 67.67 | +10.02 | #152 |
| 2010 | 57.65 | +27.28 | #152 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's mobile subscriptions was 94.24 in 2025. Ranked 148th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's mobile subscriptions peaked at 97.28 in 2013.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Zimbabwe was 0.00 in 1960.
Zimbabwe ranks 148th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 94.24 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 94.24. This ranks 148th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Zimbabwe Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}