By Staff Reporter
In a significant move set to transform Zimbabwe’s digital landscape, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced the approval of Starlink’s licensing to provide advanced internet services across the country.
President Mnangagwa, through his official X handle, underscored the importance of a robust digital economy and the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to technological investments.
“One of the strategic pillars that anchor the 2nd Republic’s developmental agenda under Vision 2030 is innovation, science, and technology. Prioritization of the digital economy and the emerging importance of technology in our day-to-day activities requires Government to lead from the front in providing an environment where investment in technology is promoted,” he said.
The President expressed his pleasure in approving the licensing of Starlink by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operator owned by the global conglomerate SpaceX, led by renowned billionaire Elon Musk, will operate in Zimbabwe through its exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
The introduction of Starlink is poised to revolutionize Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector by deploying high-speed, low-cost LEO internet infrastructure nationwide, with a particular focus on rural areas. This initiative is a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
“The entry by Starlink in the digital telecommunications space in Zimbabwe is expected to result in the deployment of high-speed, low-cost, LEO internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas. This will be in fulfillment of my Administration’s undertaking to leave no one and no place behind,” President Mnangagwa said.
Highlighting the broader implications of this development, the President noted that Starlink’s investment aligns seamlessly with the 2nd Republic’s economic mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business.” And further encouraged more foreign investments in the country, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s position as an attractive destination for global conglomerates.
“The investment confidence expressed by Starlink in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure also dovetails with the 2nd Republic’s mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.’ I encourage more investment by foreign conglomerates in Zimbabwe as we are an investment destination of choice,” he urged.
Mnangagwa congratulated IMC Communications and Starlink on this milestone, recognizing its strategic importance for Zimbabwe’s digital future.
“I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, to congratulate IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd and Starlink on this commendable milestone aimed at revolutionizing the digital and communications technology landscape in Zimbabwe. Investments of this magnitude and strategic importance represent the cornerstone for achieving the 2nd Republic’s objective of having a fully digitalized, upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” he said
