Zimbabwe’s press freedom score is dangling precariously in the difficult and problematic zone, new data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has shown.
The country has seen increased restrictions on press freedom over the past few years, which intensified during the Covid-19 era.
In 2025, the country scored 52.25/100, falling below the international average of 55 points, a score that categorises the media environment as being in a difficult situation.
An 85/100 score is classified as good, while 70–85 is considered satisfactory. A 55–70/100 score is categorised as problematic, and anything below 40/100 is deemed very serious.
Although physical attacks against journalists remain the most visible violations of press freedom, economic pressure – forcing media outlets to shut down – is now also regarded as a major problem, according to RSF.
A free press is vital for economic growth, educating the public and providing oversight of state institutions to promote transparency and equitable access to national resources for all.
