By Dickson Bandera
A new digital era beckons in Zimbabwe as the government has officially approved the granting of an operating licence to Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Starlink made the application to expand its services to Zimbabwe and government has given the nod, with service to be provided through its sole and exclusive local partner IMC Communications.
The development comes at a time when Zimbabwe has launched a development offensive championed by President Mnangagwa whose vision is to see Zimbabwe attain an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.
In his announcement on X this Saturday, president Mnangagwa said the development is evidence of his administration’s commitment to providing an environment where investment in technology is promoted.
“One of the strategic pillars that anchor the 2nd Republic’s developmental agenda under Vision 2030 is innovation, science and technology.
“Prioritisation 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.
In this vein, I’m pleased to announce that I have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
Starlink Starlink is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite operator wholly owned by global conglomerate Space X led by prominent multi-billionaire ElonMusk.
President Mnangagwa registered his optimism saying the internet will cover both urban and rural areas hence in sync with his philosophy of Leaving noone and no place behind.
“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 fulfilment of my Administration’s undertaking to leave no one and no place behind. The investment confidence expressed by Starlink in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure also dovetails with the 2nd Republic’s mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business”.
The president also invited more investors to come to Zimbabwe.
“I encourage more investment by foreign conglomerates in Zimbabwe as we are an investment destination of choice.
“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,” said president Mnangagwa.
