By Tedious Ncube
It was a holiday morning steeped in tradition. I was enjoying a warm meal to the soothing sounds of Afro-jazz when my phone buzzed. On the other end was David Mpofu, a close friend and one of Zimbabwe’s most astute thinkers in technology and security. “Teddy,” he began, “your argument for free WiFi is compelling, but have you thought about the risks? Open networks, especially in rural areas, could expose users to significant security vulnerabilities.”
David’s words lingered long after our conversation ended, prompting me to reflect. His concerns were legitimate, cybersecurity risks in a world of increasing connectivity are no trivial matter. But as I weighed his arguments against the broader opportunities, my stance grew clearer: free WiFi is not just desirable for Zimbabwe; it is essential. It is the key to unlocking untapped potential, driving economic growth, and bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity.
This is not just a debate about convenience or entertainment; it is a nation-defining conversation about Zimbabwe’s ability to adapt to the digital age and position itself as a leader in innovation and inclusivity.
In today’s world, connectivity is more than a convenience, it is a cornerstone of modern life and a critical driver of economic growth, social development, and innovation. For Zimbabwe, where over 66% of the population is under 35, according to the World Bank, the question of free WiFi takes on added significance. With its youthful demographic and untapped potential, Zimbabwe must explore how free WiFi could empower its citizens, stimulate the economy, and position the nation as a leader in digital inclusion.
This article will explore the multifaceted implications of free WiFi, examining its potential to transform Zimbabwe’s economy, address the risks associated with open networks, and bolster digital literacy. It will delve into the economic opportunities it creates for the nation’s youth, the importance of digital sovereignty, and the pragmatic steps needed to implement such a program. Ultimately, the article concludes that free WiFi is not merely a convenience but a national imperative that could redefine Zimbabwe’s trajectory in the digital age.
Zimbabwe is a youthful nation. According to the World Bank, over 66% of the population is under 35. This represents a vibrant and dynamic demographic with immense potential to contribute to economic development. However, the unemployment rate, estimated at 19%, poses a significant challenge. For young people, opportunities are often constrained by a lack of access to affordable internet, a crucial gateway to education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Globally, connectivity is shaping economies. McKinsey Global Institute (2018) projects that by 2030, 70% of all jobs will require some degree of digital skills. Zimbabwe cannot afford to lag behind. Ensuring access to free WiFi would not only prepare our workforce for these future demands but also create immediate opportunities for growth in key areas such as e-commerce, freelancing, gig work, digital content creation and even gaming amongst other opportunities.
David’s critique of free WiFi highlighted a critical concern: ‘security.’ Open networks can indeed be a breeding ground for cyber threats. But avoiding connectivity altogether is not a viable solution. The answer lies in coupling access with education. Rwanda offers a compelling example of this approach. By rolling out public WiFi alongside comprehensive digital literacy programs, the country has empowered its citizens to safely engage in the digital economy. Zimbabwe could adopt a similar model, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity while providing the tools needed to navigate the online world responsibly.
The economic potential of free WiFi cannot be overstated. PwC estimates that the global e-commerce market will surpass $7 trillion by 2025. With affordable internet access, Zimbabwe’s young entrepreneurs could tap into these vast markets, selling goods and services and driving economic growth. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy presents an opportunity to combat unemployment. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with global clients, enabling them to earn incomes that significantly exceed local averages. Zimbabwe’s youth, equipped with skills and connectivity, could become key players in this emerging economic landscape.
Digital content creation is another avenue ripe for exploration. From YouTube to Instagram, platforms have enabled individuals to monetize their creativity, fostering industries around advertising, media production, and cultural exchange. Zimbabwe, with its rich heritage and talented creators, has the potential to emerge as a leader in this space.
Beyond economic growth, free WiFi is about asserting national sovereignty. In an era where data is often described as “the new oil,” controlling digital infrastructure is paramount. Countries like South Korea have demonstrated how investing in connectivity can drive technological advancement while ensuring national interests are protected.
For Zimbabwe, this means not only expanding access but also fostering local innovation. By leading in connectivity, the country can define its digital future, safeguard its data and empower its citizens to innovate solutions tailored to local challenges. In any case, the arrival of a time when internet access is free for all is inevitable. It is akin to being in the middle of an ocean, watching an unstoppable wave approach. The choice before us is stark: ride the wave and harness its power to thrive, or remain stagnant and risk being overwhelmed by its force. The same analogy holds true for free WiFi. We can either take proactive steps to provide it to our people, ensuring we retain control over its rollout and alignment with our national interests, or we can wait passively for a Silicon Valley innovator to step in. Such an external intervention would undoubtedly come with terms that may conflict with our priorities and sovereignty.
The very data we are eager to protect would, paradoxically, be more secure if we take charge of this initiative now. By giving our people free WiFi and controlling the implementation process, we could safeguard our interests far better than if we allow an external entity to provide free internet and require payment through the exploitation of user data. The choice is clear: the best option for Zimbabwe is to lead this transformation from within, securing our digital future on our terms.
Furthermore, we have the opportunity to innovate beyond free WiFi by creating our own digital ecosystem. Imagine a platform with the combined functionality of all major social media applications, a distinctly Zimbabwean solution that aligns with our cultural identity and national vision. For instance, we could develop a platform called “Gogaz,” a name that honours our heritage through the legacy of Mbuya Nehanda while simultaneously appealing to modern sensibilities. Such a platform would not only empower our people but also foster a sense of national pride and digital self-reliance.
The implementation of free WiFi must be pragmatic and aligned with Zimbabwe’s broader developmental goals. Starting with urban centers, where infrastructure is more readily available, would allow for a phased rollout. Gradually expanding to rural areas ensures that no one and no place is left behind, a vision central to the government’s development agenda under President Mnangagwa.
Digital literacy programs must accompany this rollout, ensuring that citizens are not just connected but also capable of leveraging the opportunities that connectivity provides. Investments in cybersecurity training will further mitigate risks, creating a digitally resilient population.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe has prioritized inclusive growth. From the gold-backed digital currency to the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, the government has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and economic empowerment. Free WiFi aligns seamlessly with this vision, offering a tangible way to drive inclusivity, innovation, and progress.
The global digital economy is projected to contribute $11.5 trillion this year (2025), according to the World Economic Forum. By embracing connectivity, Zimbabwe positions itself to claim its share of this growth, leveraging its youthful population as a competitive advantage.
As I reflected on my conversation with David, one thing became clear: free WiFi is not merely a convenience; it is a national imperative. It represents the intersection of opportunity and innovation, offering a pathway to economic growth, social inclusivity, and national resilience.
For Zimbabwe, the choice is not whether to embrace the digital age but how boldly to do so. Free WiFi offers an answer; a transformative tool that can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and propel the nation forward. The time to act is now.
(Tedious Ncube is an Entrepreneur & Academic)
