Technology News

Two Kwekwe men were jailed for hacking Econet Wireless Zimbabwe's system in an airtime scam costing US$12,436.52, but most of their 36-month sentences were suspended, iHarare reported. The lenient outcome raises questions about deterrence for cybercrime against telecom infrastructure.

Zimbabwe launched a multi-agency cyber investigation after criminals compromised WhatsApp Business accounts, iHarare reported. The probe involves the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and examines whether financial data or linked payment arrangements were exposed in the breaches. The breaches hit small businesses that rely on WhatsApp for transactions in a cash-scarce economy. Regulators are now under pressure to show they can police platform security without throttling the digital commerce that keeps informal trade running. The core vulnerability: Zimbabwe's digital economy runs on platforms the state neither controls nor fully understands.

iHarare and Newsday reported that Econet Wireless warned Zimbabweans about rising WhatsApp account hijacking and social engineering scams. The telecoms giant urged users to activate passkeys and two-step verification. Econet said these measures could significantly reduce fraudsters’ ability to take over accounts. The warning reflects broader anxiety over mobile security in a market where WhatsApp dominates communication and commerce. However, many users lack digital literacy or access to secure devices. Scammers adapt faster than consumer education campaigns, and banks and regulators have issued similar alerts but enforcement remains weak. The strategic vulnerability is that platform-level warnings place responsibility on individuals. Network operators and regulators still lack enforceable anti-fraud standards, leaving millions of subscribers exposed to cross-border abuse.

NewZimbabwe.com reported that the Caine Prize for African Writing launched an investigation into Zimbabwean winner Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza. The allegations stem from an article published by The Atlantic over the weekend accusing him of using artificial intelligence in his winning short story, The Blue Fighter. The prize organizers acted following public scrutiny over the integrity of the award. Kundizeza has not been publicly cleared or sanctioned. The claims raise uncomfortable questions about AI detection, authorship and the global literary market’s hunger for African voices. Supporters warn that unproven allegations can destroy reputations, while critics demand transparent verification. The core vulnerability is that prestigious prizes lack robust AI policies, leaving writers and institutions exposed to reputational warfare they cannot reliably adjudicate. The prize’s response will set a precedent for other institutions.

iHarare reported that Chamet, a global live streaming and video chat platform with more than 50 million Google Play downloads, detailed real-time AI translation in over 50 languages. The company also introduced multimodal safety AI for cross-border video chat. Live translated subtitles and multi-model moderation support user protection. The rollout reflects intensifying competition among social platforms to use AI for global reach and regulatory compliance. Yet automated moderation and age-risk detection remain imperfect, especially across languages and cultural contexts. False positives or missed harms carry real costs, and regulators have not yet set common standards. The strategic vulnerability is that safety AI can become a marketing shield rather than an enforceable safeguard. It leaves users exposed to cross-border abuse, even though the product update has no direct Zimbabwean relevance.

Drone Solutions Zimbabwe and Zimpost launched a drone delivery service in Plumtree on October 10, World Post Day. A Kite Aero drone carried a package about 37 kilometres from Bambadzi Business Centre to Masendu Zimpost in 20 minutes. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera presided over the demonstration, which promises faster parcel distribution and extended postal reach beyond major urban centres. The pilot tests whether drones can overcome poor roads and sparse infrastructure. The immediate hurdle is scaling beyond showcase flights, requiring regulatory approvals, reliable funding and maintenance capacity in remote areas.

Zimbabwe is negotiating with NPCI International Payments Limited, the overseas arm of India's National Payments Corporation, to reduce transaction costs and accelerate digital transfers, Business Insider Africa reported. The talks would bring Indian technology into the infrastructure linking Zimbabwean banks and digital-finance businesses, potentially bypassing costly legacy rails. The move signals Harare's search for cheaper cross-border payment alternatives outside traditional correspondent banking. The strategic question is whether foreign payment rails can solve a domestic cost problem without ceding control of the network.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is rolling out a sweeping artificial intelligence strategy, recruiting over 100 engineers and specialists to fuel the transformation. The country's leading mobile network operator is shifting from AI experimentation to full-scale operational integration. The move positions Econet to dominate Zimbabwe's digital infrastructure race.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming telecommunications, driving Econet Wireless to overhaul its network efficiency and customer service, the company's group chief executive officer, Douglas Mboweni, has said. Mboweni said AI tools had identified several areas requiring attention. Econet is pursuing each of them, with the aim of resolving the issues by June next year.

Harare's AI-powered traffic camera grid has logged over four million infractions, triggering an active phase of law enforcement against motorists. Authorities have begun contacting offenders as the system consolidates digital evidence of the widespread non-compliance. The rollout signals a decisive shift away from manual policing to automated surveillance and revenue collection. According to local accounts, the camera network has exposed a deep-rooted culture of impunity on the city's roads, with red-light and speed violations dominating the logs. The municipal government now faces pressure to convert these digital flags into actual prosecutions and fines rather than allowing the system to degrade into a bureaucratic backlog.

Pope Leo XIV warned against losing humanity in a 'paradise of machines' as artificial intelligence advances rapidly. Enthusiastic crowds gathered in Paris to hear his message. The pontiff's intervention adds moral weight to growing global anxiety over AI's impact on human identity.

According to Daily News, Zimbabwe is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) roadmap with a pilot project in Harare using 10 public transport electric buses to assess charging requirements, potential locations, and viable business models. The government aims to mirror global momentum toward sustainable energy and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which strain foreign exchange reserves. The pilot follows years of policy delays and limited infrastructure, with only a handful of charging stations currently operational across the country. Success hinges on reliable power supply, a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe where load shedding is common, and on attracting private investment for charging networks. The transition exposes the gap between ambition and grid reality, as the country faces frequent power cuts that could disrupt bus operations. Without addressing electricity generation and distribution, the EV pilot may struggle to scale beyond the initial phase, limiting its impact on emissions reduction.

The article discusses how organizations use analytics, structured risk signals, and data interpretation to strengthen assurance through audit intelligence. It highlights the shift toward continuous, automated auditing processes. The core vulnerability: While automation improves efficiency, it also creates new risks around data privacy and algorithmic bias, requiring robust governance frameworks to ensure audit integrity.

President Mnangagwa called for global cooperation to manage the transformative impact of AI and digital connectivity. He emphasized the need to rebuild trust in technology governance, warning that rapid change could exacerbate inequalities. His remarks come as Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a regional tech hub, but critics argue the government's restrictive internet policies undermine such ambitions. The president's push for unity may be a strategic move to attract foreign investment, yet without domestic reforms, progress remains uncertain. The international community watches closely as AI reshapes global power dynamics.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe will sunset its 3G network by December 2027, reallocating capital to 4G and 5G expansion. The decision, reported by local media, forces millions of subscribers reliant on legacy handsets to upgrade or face service loss.

PCCW Global and Druid Technology signed a memorandum of understanding to expand satellite and hybrid IoT connectivity services across Belt and Road regions, as reported by iHarare News via Media OutReach. HKT (SEHK: 6823) is the parent company of PCCW Global, and the agreement was signed on 9 September 2026. The partnership aims to leverage Druid's Chinese mainland IoT solutions with PCCW's global network, but faces geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles. The MoU's success depends on navigating US-China tech decoupling, which could disrupt cross-border data flows and investment, though it has no immediate Zimbabwe-specific implications. The MoU is seen as a strategic move to expand connectivity in underserved regions, but its success will depend on navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.

Zimbabwe announced plans to establish a biotechnology city and pharmaceutical special economic zone to boost domestic medicine production. According to Daily News, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports and attract foreign investment. However, the country's history of failed special economic zones raises skepticism. The Zimbabwean dollar's volatility and chronic foreign currency shortages could deter investors, while local pharmaceutical firms lack the capacity to compete with multinationals. The core vulnerability is the gap between ambitious policy goals and the structural weaknesses in Zimbabwe's financial and regulatory systems.

Satewave Technologies and Afribiz announced a strategic partnership on 1 September to accelerate next-generation technology adoption across Africa, as reported by the Financial Gazette. The collaboration focuses on expanding digital infrastructure and cloud services. The deal signals growing private-sector confidence in African tech markets, but success will depend on overcoming regulatory hurdles and unreliable power grids that still plague the continent. This partnership represents a step forward for African tech, but significant obstacles remain.

Daily News reports that Zimbabwe is deploying AI-powered silos capable of preserving grain for up to a decade, purportedly to solve chronic food insecurity. While touted as a technological leap, the innovation clashes with the reality of persistent droughts and a lack of access for smallholder farmers. The vulnerability is that high-tech solutions become a facade masking the government's failure to build a resilient agricultural base. The project's success will depend on equitable access for the farmers who need it most.

GRIOPLUS PTY LTD has launched the first digital streaming platform targeting Zimbabwean diaspora audiences, offering local entertainment and cultural content. The app aims to bridge a gap for expats struggling to access homegrown media. However, competition from global giants looms. Data costs may also limit adoption. The platform faces an uphill battle for subscribers.

Harare's new Smart Traffic and Crime Management System has recorded over two million violations, and the government will begin issuing fines in two weeks, according to NewZimbabwe.com. Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe toured 14 of the 20 camera sites on Thursday to assess the system. The system was installed to improve road safety and revenue collection, but critics warn of potential abuse. The lack of transparency in the system's operation raises concerns about its use as a revenue grab. The core vulnerability is the potential for abuse by the government, as fines may be used as a revenue grab rather than a genuine safety measure, eroding public trust. The initiative has significant revenue and behavioral impact.

Zimbabwe is expanding its network of AI-powered traffic cameras to combat road crash losses estimated at $400 million annually. The government, per Transport Minister Mhona, argues that each accident strains healthcare, emergency services, and economic productivity. However, critics question whether the technology will be used for revenue generation through fines rather than genuine safety improvements.

Authorities in Bulawayo are establishing a local drone training institute to supply Zimbabwe's mining sector with skilled operators. The move addresses a critical skills gap as the industry modernizes, but the initiative's success hinges on sustained investment in equipment and certification standards for graduates.

State miner Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has achieved a technological breakthrough that fixes long-standing colour flaws in diamonds from the Chiadzwa fields, significantly boosting their market value. The innovation allows ZCDC to process lower-grade rough stones into higher-quality gems, increasing revenue potential. The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks to maximize returns from its diamond sector amid global price pressures.

Over 400 high-speed Starlink internet kits are currently gathering dust at rural Zimbabwean hospitals due to severe bureaucratic delays. NewsDay Zimbabwe reported that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has stalled on paying the necessary subscription fees required to activate the hardware. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora acknowledged the administrative bottleneck but failed to provide a clear timeline for resolving the funding impasse. This administrative inertia clashes with the government's public relations campaign promoting digital healthcare integration, exposing deep coordination failures between ministries. The subscription deadlock leaves remote clinics digitally isolated, directly undermining emergency medical responses in vulnerable rural communities. Without active internet connectivity, healthcare workers cannot access electronic health records or consult specialists during critical emergencies, leaving rural patients without modern medical support.

Econet Wireless committed US$200 million to boost its network capacity and accelerate alternative energy installations across Zimbabwe. According to reporting by NewsDay, the telecommunications giant initiated this capital expenditure program to combat persistent national grid failures that disrupt mobile services. Severe power outages have repeatedly severed network connections, driving up operational costs through diesel generator reliance. Industry analysts warn that without rapid transition to solar power, the firm's profit margins will continue to erode. Econet's massive capital deployment highlights its vulnerability to Zimbabwe's collapsing public utility infrastructure.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe launched a targeted campaign against social media influencers promoting illegal medicines online. The regulator initiated this crackdown to halt the rapid spread of unregulated and potentially dangerous pharmaceutical products across digital platforms. Daily News reported that the rise of digital marketing has severely undermined traditional pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks. Health officials warn that public figures are bypassing safety standards, exposing consumers to counterfeit drugs without medical oversight. The regulator's digital crackdown highlights the growing struggle of state health authorities to police informal online marketplaces and protect public health.

The grieving Khumalo family issued an urgent warning exposing a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign launched after a triple murder in the United Kingdom. According to iHarare News, scammers created the unauthorized fundraiser claiming to raise repatriation funds for British-Zimbabwean Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters. This exploitation highlights the growing trend of cybercriminals targeting grieving diaspora communities through deceptive crowdfunding platforms. The family confirmed they did not authorize any public fundraising, warning that the scam diverts legitimate support away from the victims' actual relatives. The incident exposes the systemic vulnerability of digital crowdfunding platforms, which lack robust verification mechanisms to prevent the immediate monetization of high-profile tragedies.

Econet AI launched a major recruitment drive to hire over 100 artificial intelligence engineers. The company announced that the new hires will be deployed across various subsidiary firms to accelerate digital transformation. This aggressive hiring campaign represents one of the largest tech recruitment drives in Zimbabwe's history. Econet AI aims to position itself as a regional leader in automated services, despite facing a severe local tech brain drain. The core vulnerability lies in Econet's ability to retain highly skilled AI talent amid intense global competition.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation upgraded its television broadcasts to High Definition on the DStv platform and announced the launch of its Z+ streaming service. According to state media, the digital upgrade aims to modernize the broadcaster's output and reach a wider digital audience. Viewers welcomed the improved picture quality but criticized the state broadcaster's continued bias and lack of editorial independence. Independent media analysts argue that technological upgrades cannot mask the network's role as a government propaganda tool. The broadcaster's digital expansion will fail to attract younger audiences without a fundamental shift toward objective journalism.

Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe activated the first phase of their cross-border fibre network on Tuesday. NewZimbabwe.com reported that the high-capacity digital corridor connects Zimbabwe to Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. This launch follows months of infrastructure development aimed at improving regional connectivity. The partnership represents a major step in Powertel's transition into a leading regional internet service provider [Daily News]. Oncoming commercial pressures will test whether the joint venture can successfully challenge dominant regional telecom giants.

Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe officially launched a new high-capacity digital highway project to boost regional connectivity. NewsDay reported that Powertel Managing Director Willard Nyagwande hailed the joint venture as a critical milestone for Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector. The initiative builds on previous infrastructure investments aimed at expanding fiber-optic networks across Southern Africa to reduce transit latency. This partnership comes as regional demand for high-speed broadband surges, forcing legacy state enterprises to collaborate with agile private operators. However, both entities face immediate hurdles, including navigating complex regulatory frameworks and securing stable power supplies to keep the network operational. The core vulnerability lies in the joint venture's dependence on Zimbabwe's unstable national power grid to maintain uninterrupted digital transit.

Zimbabwe officially launched a landmark cross-border fibre optic corridor linking the landlocked nation to regional telecommunications networks. The Daily News reported that the high-capacity digital pipeline went live to establish Zimbabwe as a critical transit hub for southern African data traffic. This infrastructure milestone follows years of reliance on expensive, circuitous undersea cable connections routed through third-party nations. State-owned and private telecom entities collaborated to lay the physical infrastructure across key border points. Yet, the project faces immediate hurdles as regional competitors race to deploy parallel networks, threatening Zimbabwe's projected transit revenues.

Harare City Council reported that its new AI traffic cameras are already detecting traffic violations, highlighting early results from the smart enforcement initiative. The system's immediate output signals a shift toward automated revenue collection and surveillance. The friction centers on public backlash and the legal robustness of AI-generated evidence, which could face court challenges. The core vulnerability is the integrity of the data chain; a single successful legal challenge to the camera's accuracy could stall the entire enforcement program.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe achieved the Microsoft Copilot Specialisation, a certification requiring advanced technical expertise and a proven record in deploying enterprise AI solutions with strict security and governance compliance. The accreditation positions Liquid to capture a larger share of Zimbabwe's fast-growing enterprise AI market as corporations accelerate automation adoption. The strategic move deepens the competitive moat against rivals who lack the certified capability to deploy Microsoft's AI ecosystem at scale.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has established a twenty-four-hour dedicated Cyber Laboratory within the CID Forensic Science Directorate to combat rising cybercrime. The Daily News reported that this specialized unit aims to safeguard the country's rapidly expanding digital economy from sophisticated financial fraud.\n\nTech industry leaders welcomed the initiative but warned that the state's current cybersecurity infrastructure remains severely underfunded and technologically outmatched. Experts argue that without continuous investment in advanced forensic tools and specialized training, the new laboratory will struggle to keep pace with international cyber syndicates.\n\nThe primary vulnerability lies in the public sector's inability to retain top-tier cybersecurity talent, who frequently defect to higher-paying private firms. Consequently, this persistent brain drain threatens to leave the newly established facility understaffed and unable to effectively counter sophisticated digital threats.

State-owned signal distributor Transmedia is focusing on expanding radio frequencies and improving digital television access across Zimbabwe. Board chairperson Lawrence Nkala announced plans to install new transmitters and solarize key sites to ensure reliable signal distribution. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the country's broadcasting infrastructure and enhance media reach. By investing in solar energy, Transmedia aims to mitigate the impact of power outages on signal stability, ensuring consistent service delivery for the public. [NewZimbabwe.com]