Zimbabwe is looking to raise $200 million for the launch of a satellite; a move that analysts say will boost digital inclusion and help to lower connectivity costs.
The telecom satellite will be the country’s third, following the deployment of its first earth observation satellite, ZimSat-1, in 2022 and ZimSat-2 in 2024.
The latter was launched under a partnership with Russia’s Southwest State University.
Zimbabwe is seeking over $200 million from investors to support the launch, which will improve connectivity and strengthen ICT infrastructure, says Professor Mthuli Ncube, minister of finance, economic development and investment promotion.
Ncube confirmed the plans in Harare on Wednesday during the launch of the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) operational framework.
The success of the BKPO industry relies on strong ICT infrastructure, with the satellite being a core part of the digital economy push, says Ncube.
The satellite will help to lower connectivity costs which are holding back some tech start-ups and enterprises in Zimbabwe, says Brighton Chiwera, a cloud computing and digital expert in Zimbabwe.
Connectivity is a fulcrum for digital growth, yet most entrepreneurs struggle to afford internet access because current costs are on the high end, says Chiwera.
He adds that the launch is a positive move at a time when infrastructure sharing across mobile network operators has faced challenges.
The planned satellite will also assist in rolling out connectivity to remote and rural areas that are currently not serviced.
The next step is boosting access to devices to connect to that satellite, while bandwidth can later be upgraded to support e-commerce, says Chiwera.
The government is currently talking to various potential sources of capital and hope for a new area for the treasury, explains Ncube.
Telecommunications satellites have come under sharp focus across Africa following the agreement between MTN and Starlink for direct-to-cell connectivity last week.
A number of African countries have also deployed a telecom satellite to boost internet access in underserved areas.
Share
