Digital technology significantly contributes to the propagation of propaganda and disinformation, leveraging its vast platform to reach a wide audience and potentially threatening free expression in Zimbabwe.

In January 2019, Zimbabwe experienced internet disruptions and social media access restrictions imposed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, citing national security during protests against a fuel price hike. The disruptions, which included a total network shutdown in Harare and Bulawayo, were challenged and deemed illegal by the High Court. The government's control over the ICT market and potential future disruptions raise concerns about the state of digital rights in Zimbabwe. The Mnangagwa administration is also pushing for policies and a cybercrime bill that could further restrict online freedoms. Despite the diverse ICT market, the government maintains control through ownership and regulatory bodies. The cost of mobile data in Zimbabwe is one of the highest globally, making it inaccessible for many citizens. Activists and journalists emphasize the importance of digital rights awareness.

In January 2019, the Zimbabwean government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposed an internet and social media blockade following violent protests over a significant fuel price increase. The shutdown had a detrimental impact on the economy, with experts estimating a direct cost of $5.7 million for each day of the blackout. Businesses, particularly in the tech and e-commerce sectors, were severely affected, with operations grinding to a halt. The shutdown also disrupted mobile money services like EcoCash, which is central to the country's economy. Despite the economic damage, the government has stated it would not hesitate to repeat the shutdown for state security reasons. The World Bank projects Zimbabwe's GDP to grow by 3.7 percent, slightly above the estimate for sub-Saharan Africa. However, the internet blockade has highlighted the vulnerability of Zimbabwe's economy to such government actions.

The article, reported by Kudzai Chimhangwa, describes the severe industrial decline in Harare's Workington Industrial area, once a hub of manufacturing activity in Zimbabwe. The area is now filled with abandoned buildings, rusting machinery, and overgrown vegetation, symbolizing the country's economic meltdown. The decline is attributed to capital flight, company closures, job losses, and ill-conceived political policies, including the indigenisation policy. Local economic analyst Takunda Mugaga and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president George Nkiwane provide insights into the causes and impacts of the industrial collapse. The article notes that in 2013 alone, 711 companies in Harare closed, leading to over 8,000 job losses, with the situation worsening since then.