Deep in the majestic Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, an unusual scene unfolds every day. Residents of the village of Silozwe, located less than 50 km from the city of Bulawayo, embark on an arduous climb in search of a mobile network. In this remote corner of the country, connectivity is far from being a given.
For some, this steep climb may seem trivial, but for Silozwe residents, it is a daily ritual to stay connected, exchange messages, and check social media. An arduous task, especially for elderly people like Sakhile Sibindi, a 60-year-old grandmother who walks 5 km to reach the best point for signal reception.
The lack of connectivity in rural areas is not unique to Zimbabwe. In fact, around a third of the world’s population, or 2.6 billion people, do not have access to the internet, according to United Nations estimates. This finding raises crucial questions about equal opportunities and access to information, education and professional opportunities.
In the sub-Saharan region, a quarter of the population uses mobile phones to connect to the internet, but 15% of residents live in areas not covered by the network, according to GSMA, a telecommunications industry group. The Matobo Hills, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their imposing rocks, offer temporary relief to the people of Silozwe.
However, this makeshift solution has major drawbacks, notably the lack of confidentiality of communications. Sakhile Sibindi points out that nosy neighbors can easily eavesdrop on telephone conversations. Furthermore, in the event of a nighttime emergency, access to the network becomes almost impossible, endangering the lives of certain residents who could be in need.
Faced with these difficulties, some villagers have found ingenious tips to compensate for the lack of network. Telephones attached to poles or hung from tree branches are common makeshift solutions. Anna Tiyo, aged 42, even improvised a network station using an old metal barrel under a particularly well-connected tree.
This quest to stay connected has a crucial economic dimension, especially for professionals like Bukhosibethu Moyo, a building contractor. Network coverage interruptions have already cost it customers and business opportunities, putting it in a precarious situation in a country where poverty and unemployment are rife.
Despite mobile penetration of over 97% in Zimbabwe, many rural residents feel excluded from the benefits of connectivity. The government has taken initiatives to improve the situation, announcing investments in infrastructure and the establishment of programs aimed at equipping rural schools with computers.
However, the pace of progress remains slow, leaving many villagers waiting and feeling abandoned. As the Ministry of Communication promises a digital transformation of the country, residents like Anna Tiyo continue to demand their right to equal opportunities and access to the same opportunities as those in urban areas.
In conclusion, the quest for connectivity in rural Zimbabwe illustrates the persistent challenges of digital inclusion. Beyond technical issues, it is a question of equity, development and access to opportunities for all. It is imperative that authorities take concrete steps to close the digital divide and provide all citizens with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.