E-Government Development in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s digital journey accelerated in the 2000s. In 2000, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) was established under the Postal and Telecommunications Act to regulate the sector. The same year, TelOne (fixed-line telecommunications provider), NetOne (mobile network operator) and ZimPost (postal services company) were founded.

In 2005 the government carried out a national “e-readiness” survey that became the basis for its first National ICT Policy and e-strategy. The same year it adopted a National ICT Policy Framework to guide digital services. After the 2009 Government of National Unity, a dedicated Ministry of ICT was established (later expanded to include Postal & Courier services), and an Office of the President Modernization Unit was formed to drive ICT reforms. Around 2012–2014 the ministry under Minister N. Chamisa developed the “ZimConnect” e-government framework and a 2010–2014 ICT strategic plan. Zimbabwe then updated its national ICT policy in 2015, and again in March 2022, when it launched the National ICT Policy 2022–2027, a comprehensive framework aligned with the Vision 2030 and “Smart Zimbabwe 2030” plans. 

Carrying out of the E-Government Programme is the responsibility of the Office of the President and Cabinet, in particular of the E-Government Technological Unit. The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is in charge of implementing ICT policy including establishing and managing e-Government infrastructure, servicing and upgrading government ICT infrastructure, establishing and managing the government data centre, facilitating the development and maintenance of e-Applications, etc.

In 2024, the UN E-Government Development Index of Zimbabwe stood at 0.45, placing the country 149 out of 193 countries surveyed. Compared to 2022 figures, the index has slightly improved from 0.41, however the country dropped in the global ranking (ranked 138 in 2020). The decrease in the global ranking could be attributed to the changes in the UN E-Government Development Survey methodology, as several amendments were introduced. Online Service Index (OSI) was refined with updated indicators and an expanded set of questions (183 vs. 148 in 2020), while the Human Capital Index (HCI) was revised to include a fifth sub-component — E-Government Literacy.

Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Law

Cyber and Data Protection Act (2021) [Chapter 11:12], No. 5/2021, as part of the cybersecurity framework, aiming at building confidence and trust in the secure use of information and communication technologies, and dealing with cybercrimes.

The country has also been drafting a National Cybersecurity Strategy (validated in late 2024, but not published yet) to secure critical infrastructure. 

E-Government Standards

Specific e-government standards are not explicitly detailed, however the government emphasizes the development of ICT infrastructure and services to support digital governance in the National ICT Policy 2022–2027. 

E-Government Interoperability Framework

In order to make the Government websites unified, citizen oriented and user friendly the Guidelines for Government of Zimbabwe Websites were issued which contained the requirements for the design, content, development and management of sites. Nevertheless, not all the MDAs follow the instructions (e.g. many websites do not have acts and regulations, concerning this department, documents and reports, issued by it; some information is outdated, some links are broken and lead to an error page “Not Found”, the language cannot be opted except for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, etc.)

Electronic Signature Law

Zimbabwe E-Transactions and E-Commerce Bill (2013) provides for the legal recognition of electronic records and signatures, establishing the principles applicable to electronic commerce and the processing, verification, and attribution of electronic records. 

AI Regulations

Zimbabwe lacks specific AI regulations; however, the government has expressed interest in developing AI governance frameworks to guide responsible AI development. In February 2025, the establishment of the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Authority (ZAIRA) to oversee the implementation of the Zimbabwe Artificial Intelligence Governance Regulatory Framework (ZAIGRF) was proposed. 

The objectives of e-Government implementation are identified in the following strategies and policies:

• Vision 2030 “Towards a Prosperous & Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030”, introduced in 2018 declaring that by 2030 public services will become of high quality, and they will be delivered in an efficient and effective manner due to modernising public sector agencies and creating a comprehensive e-Government system based on integration of different government departments;
• National Development Strategy 1 (2021 – 2025), proclaiming goals to improve public services through embracing ICTs, imparting appropriate ICT skills in the public sector,  increasing internet penetration rate, enhancing Government common connectivity infrastructure,  and developing E-Government Enterprise Architecture and Interoperability Framework;
• National Information and Communication Technology Policy (2022-2027), 
• Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, released in 2024 for reforming “critical Government operations through ICTs” and enhancing “interaction between  Government and its citizens through digital platforms”.

Zimbabwe gradually rolled out online public services under the ZimConnect program. In March 2016 the Ministry of ICT launched ZimConnect, an e-government portal branded as the new state “e-services” website. This platform allows citizens to apply online for a variety of services – for example, e-visa and passport applications, business/company registration and name change, mining and investment licenses, local trading licenses, and deeds searches. ZimConnect includes an integrated payment gateway (Paynow) enabling mobile money payments. The portal marked Zimbabwe’s first major push at internet-based service delivery, aimed at reducing red tape and corruption in government transactions.

Source: ZimConnect

The national identification system was implemented under the National Registration Act (Chapter 10:17; Acts 36/1976, 41/1978 (s. 41), 17/1979 (s. 16), 1/1984, 14/1994, 22/2001). In 1996, the Zimbabwe Population Registration System (an integrated computerised data system) was created to contain all demographic personal data, which is also shared for e-Governance purposes. The national ID was digitised too.

Biometric IDs were introduced in the early 2000s. In 2018, a facial recognition project was started in cooperation with a Chinese company Cloudwalk. The project was supposed to help the government establish a smart financial service network, introduce intelligent security applications at airports, railway stations and bus stations, as well as build a national facial database in Zimbabwe.

In late 2021 Zimbabwe began issuing biometric e-passports, phasing in chip-enabled passports for citizens. The Civil Registry Department (CRD) continues to issue these new e-passports at district registry centers, supporting the goal of a more digitized economy and improved travel document processing. In 2023 the Home Affairs Ministry announced an upgrade of the Zimbabwe Population Registry System (ZPRS) to allow online applications for passports, national ID cards, and birth certificates. This includes linking the national registry to hospitals to automatically register births and assign IDs at birth. 

An online portal for passport/ID applications was expected to go live by end-2023. In July 2023 the government also unveiled an Online Border Management System (OBMS) to automate visa and residence permit processing. By 2024 this OBMS was being piloted at major ports of entry (e.g. Harare and Victoria Falls airports, Beitbridge border) with biometric e-gates to fully computerized immigration (e-visas, e-permits, automated entry/exit). 

In June 2015, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) launched its first e-Filing portal for tax returns, business partner registration, tax clearance certificates, and account statements. In April 2023 an E-Taxes web portal was introduced to reduce filing delays and registration hurdles. Meanwhile ZIMRA has adopted a single-account banking model: it opened revenue collection accounts at major banks (CBZ, Standard Chartered, FBC, Stanbic, Ecobank, etc.) so taxpayers pay into one nominated bank account. ZIMRA now accepts multiple currencies (USD, Rand, Pound, Euro, Pula) as well as mobile money (Econet’s EcoCash) for tax payment. 

In early 2018 ZIMRA integrated EcoCash for tax payments, allowing duties and taxes to be settled via mobile money. Before 2018, all taxes had to be paid by bank transfer or cash.

Since January 2022 Zimbabwe requires all VAT-registered businesses to use fiscalised devices that issue real-time electronic tax invoices to ZIMRA. These devices (hardware ETRs, fiscal printers or virtual apps) transmit each sale to ZIMRA’s Fiscalisation Data Management System (FDMS) instantly. Public notices mandate that all point-of-sale systems be upgraded by late 2023, that all transactions be fiscalized via FDMS, and that every printed invoice include both seller’s and buyer’s new VAT numbers (with verifiable FDMS-generated QR codes). In effect, ZIMRA’s FDMS enforces full e-invoicing: every sale in a VAT shop is logged in the system, enhancing real-time compliance monitoring.

Key components of the system include TaRMS (Tax & Revenue Management System), an integrated back-end system (live from Oct 2023) that automates domestic tax administration. It integrates seamlessly with national databases: company registration numbers and ID numbers are validated online against the Registrar of Companies and Civil Registry. Through its Self-Service Portal taxpayers can register, file returns, claim refunds, and check their accounts without ZIMRA staff intervention. The e-Services/E-Taxes portals serve individual and corporate taxpayers. After signing up with their BP number, users can submit VAT, PAYE, income tax and other returns, view receipts, and track compliance. ZIMRA now encourages migration to TaRMS portals, but e-Services/E-Taxes remain available for a transition period.

As of early 2025 roughly 38% of registered taxpayers were filing via the online system, up from a baseline of 16.4%. The African Development Bank noted e-filing penetration reaching 37.91% by project mid-point. ZIMRA reports that 6,440 taxpayers and tax agents have been “sensitized” or trained on TaRMS by late 2024. One of the reports put growth at +116% in 18 months, underscoring rapid adoption. In practice, large businesses and formal sector payers quickly embraced the portals (driven by FDMS mandates), while smaller informal operators are being gradually enrolled.

Zimbabwe is rapidly digitizing its curriculum. The national syllabus incorporates ICT as a skill across subjects, and all pre-service teachers must pass an ICT module. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education elaborated the 2021–2025 Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP), which called for school digitalization and required that all teachers be trained in the new competency-based curriculum and its ICT methodologies. Zimbabwe’s 2019 Education Act was also amended to mandate integration of “emerging technologies” in education.

In 2016, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education introduced the Electronic Ministry Application Platform (EMAP) as a means of solving the problem of application caused by a gap between the demand and the number of boarding places. Applicants are supposed to create an account and apply for a maximum of 20 schools. Successful applicants are informed through SMS by School Heads.

In 2021, the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) presented the national E-learning strategy. Connection of 1500 schools to the broadband and electrification of more that 400 schools were among the objectives. Official data show only about 6.8% of learners accessed any digital learning during 2020 lockdowns. By 2022 only ~31% of schools had internet connection. In late 2022, the government rolled out a solarisation and computerisation programme reaching roughly 150 rural schools. 

Corroborating the launch of the strategy, the MoPSE (with UNICEF and Microsoft support) launched the Zimbabwe Learning Passport, a free online learning platform built on the national curriculum. The government also collaborated with Skyband/Starlink and is extending fiber broadband (e.g. the Harare-Mutare railway optic-fibre network) to improve connectivity. Private-sector initiatives complement these efforts: Econet’s Ruzivo provides curriculum-aligned content (zero-rated for Econet subscribers), and local startups (e.g. Akello Smart Learning) are piloting e-textbook platforms. 

In 2012, the eHealth Strategy (2012–2017) was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. It focused on implementing electronic medical record systems and telemedicine services to improve healthcare delivery. In 2021,  the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) launched a National Digital Health Strategy (2021–2025), setting priorities for scaling EHRs, telehealth and other ICT tools to complement routine services. The strategy is supported by related initiatives: e.g., a Solar for Health project (with World Bank/IEA support) is installing solar power and internet at clinics to keep systems online.

MoHCC has also rolled out Impilo, Zimbabwe’s national electronic health record system. It was developed by a 100% Zimbabwean technical team with financial support from international organizations — Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF and others. By 2020, PEPFAR-supported Impilo was in use at 172 public health facilities, giving clinicians instant access to patient histories and lab results. The platform integrates with other health information systems such as the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), facilitating a comprehensive and interoperable health data ecosystem. In 2025 the US Ambassador announced an additional USD 26 mln to expand Impilo, which “revolutionized patient care” by cutting wait times and improving data access. 

Source: Impilo

Starting in 2015 with an ITU pilot, rural clinics began connecting via video to specialists in Harare. By 2023 this network linked about 173 rural facilities in three provinces. In 2018 the Health Ministry and GlobalMed deployed portable telemedicine kits (exam stations, tablets, cameras) at 16 clinics, enabling remote physician consultations. The ZimSmart Villages initiative (in partnership with MoH and telecoms) has set up telehealth kiosks in rural areas; by late 2024 these have handled ~1,800 consultations. ZimSmart aims to double usage to ~4,000 patient consults by mid-2025. To improve connectivity, the government licensed SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet in 2024 – ZimSmart now has high-speed Starlink at two of its 17 e-health centers. 

E-Nurse Online Application Portal can be accessed through the website of the Ministry of Health and Child care. A candidate can apply for Nurses Training. The Portal lists the requirements for candidates to apply. The application fee is paid on the Portal. The successful applicants are also informed through the Portal.

Implemented by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in 2022, Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) digitizes the litigation process, facilitating online case tracking, virtual court hearings, and e-filing of cases. 

IECMS was developed in collaboration with Synergy International Systems, leveraging their Synergy eCase platform. The system’s initial rollout targeted the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and the Commercial Division of the High Court. By early 2023, its implementation extended to the Labour and Administrative Courts, and was planned to be adopted nationwide across all court levels by the end of 2023. The fourth phase of implementation was declared to commence on January 1, 2025. 

To ensure broad accessibility, the JSC has established e-filing centers across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces and over 50 court stations. These centers are equipped to assist individuals lacking internet access or digital devices, enabling them to file cases and attend virtual hearings. Additionally, internet hubs have been set up at High Courts in Bulawayo and Harare to facilitate free internet access for court-related activities. 

Source: The Zimbabwe Integrated Electronic Case Management System. Presentation by the Secretary of JSC Mr W. T. Chikwana

In preparation for the 2018 general elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) implemented a nationwide Biometric Voter Registration (BVR), aiming to enhance the accuracy of the voters’ roll by capturing voters’ biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. The BVR system was introduced to mitigate issues such as duplicate registrations and to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.

Leading up to the 2023 elections, ZEC conducted mobile biometric registration campaigns to increase voter enrollment. However, the procurement process for biometric equipment faced scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and inflated costs, which raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process. 

In 2017, the Government started reforming the Public Procurement system with the support of  the African Development Bank and the WB. The latter floated a tender to develop an electronic procurement strategy for the Zimbabwe government which was won by a British consulting company Crown Agency. As a result, in 2018, a number of accomplishments were reported. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act was adopted. The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe was established. Procurement Regulations, Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) and Guidelines were worked out. In 2019, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe reported on the development of a supplier registration portal. 

At present, the e-GP claims to provide suppliers e-registration, an access to tender notices of various government agencies for the procurement of goods, services and construction, to the list of all Government procuring entities and suppliers, to online payments, to Bid Bond application, and others. Awarding notices and Entities’ procurement plans are to be activated soon.

Source: eGP System

Central to the introduction of digital initiatives in agriculture is the Zimbabwe AgriTech Strategy 2021–2025, formulated by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. 

Key initiatives include the FAO-FAOSTAT project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It utilizes Earth Observation data to enhance agricultural statistics, crop monitoring, and resource management. The EOSTAT-ZIMBABWE GIS Data Hub is a platform that provides geospatial data, maps, and resources produced under the EOSTAT Project, aiding in agricultural planning and decision-making. 

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) supports the use of geospatial data for various applications, including agriculture. In collaboration with the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), ZINGSA developed the Agrozim App, an Android application for farmers to access real-time climate data, seasonal forecasts, and advisory services in line with specific conditions of the country’s regions.

Source: EOSTAT-ZIMBABWE GEOPORTAL — EOSTAT Farmer Registry – ZIMBABWE V3

The National Data Centre was officially opened in 2021. The project was completed with assistance from the Chinese government, as well as Chinese firms Inspur Group and Sino-Zimbabwe. It contains information from the government records and private companies and due to cloud computing it can provide the virtual services to all ministries and departments.

Many government departments in Zimbabwe operate in silos, using disparate systems that lack interoperability. This fragmentation slows down the efficient service delivery and data sharing across agencies, leading to redundancies and inconsistencies.

The agricultural sector has embraced digital systems to enhance productivity among smallholder farmers. Despite a high mobile phone penetration rate of approximately 91%, the adoption of advanced digital tools like mobile applications remains low. Farmers predominantly rely on basic communication tools such as SMS (43%) and WhatsApp (25%) for agricultural information. Challenges include limited access to smartphones, unreliable internet connectivity, and a lack of digital literacy, particularly in rural areas.

Despite the wide implementation of e-health facilities, a significant number of healthcare professionals lack adequate ICT skills, leading to resistance in adopting e-health technologies. This is compounded by the absence of regular training programs to build digital competencies. Zimbabwe’s health sector has multiple yet unlinked information systems, leading to data silos and inefficiencies. This fragmentation hinders effective data sharing and coordinated patient care.

Development of a comprehensive e-government interoperability framework that standardizes data formats and protocols across departments. Encouraging inter-agency collaboration and adopting integrated platforms will streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve the user experience for citizens.

The government should invest in nationwide digital literacy programs tailored for farmers to increase the use of mobile applications. Incentivizing mobile network operators to improve rural connectivity and developing user-friendly, scalable digital solutions can enhance the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. 

Incorporation of ICT training into medical education curricula to ensure staff are equipped to utilize e-health systems effectively. 

National Best Practices

Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS)

Zimbabwe’s most recent advancement in e-government is the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS), launched by ZIMRA in 2023. TaRMS offers an integrated suite of services, including taxpayer registration, return filing, payment processing, refund management, and debt tracking. It also features a Self-Service Portal, enabling taxpayers to manage their obligations independently, thereby reducing the need for direct interaction with ZIMRA staff. 

Impilo

Impilo is Zimbabwe’s national electronic health record (EHR) system, developed entirely by a Zimbabwean technical team under the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC). Launched in 2016, Impilo aims to digitize patient records, streamline healthcare delivery, and enhance data-driven decision-making across the country’s public health facilities. The system has received financial and technical support from international partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). 

Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS)

Developed in partnership with Synergy International Systems using their eCase platform, IECMS facilitates electronic case filing, virtual hearings, automated case tracking, and online access to court documents. The system aims to integrate all levels of the judiciary, from the Constitutional Court to Magistrates’ Courts under a unified digital infrastructure. To enhance accessibility, the JSC has established e-filing centers across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces and over 50 court stations, assisting individuals without internet access or digital devices. Additionally, internet hubs have been set up at the High Courts in Harare and Bulawayo, providing free internet access for court-related activities.

Regional inspirations

Agricultural services

The NIN-Enabled Farmer Registry is a collaborative initiative between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Announced in January 2025, the program aims to enhance agricultural interventions by creating a comprehensive database of farmers. Each farmer’s biometric data is linked to their NIN, ensuring accurate identification and authentication. The registry will be linked with Government-to-People (G2P) biometric cards to access targeted government aid, such as subsidies, loans, and welfare disbursements. The first phase of the project includes registration of two million farmers within three months, which is planned to be extended to six million farmers, with the plan of encompassing all farmers nationwide.

ICT Standards

The Kenya Government ICT Systems and Applications Standard adopted in 2019 provides a comprehensive framework for managing and implementing ICT systems within the public sector. It focuses on aligning government ICT systems with national policies, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, and promoting interoperability across different systems for seamless data exchange. The standard encourages cost-effective software development and acquisition, including the use of open-source solutions when appropriate, and emphasizes the importance of data management through consistent formats and classifications.

Authors:

Daria Sukhova

Maria Saulina