In a groundbreaking development, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given the green light for Starlink to be licensed and operate in Zimbabwe. This decision signals a significant advancement for the country, as it opens the door for Starlink to offer cutting-edge, high-speed internet services to people across Zimbabwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa revealed this significant development in an announcement posted on his official X social media account.
The President announced that he has approved the licensing of Starlink by the Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to provide advanced internet in the country.
“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.”
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President Mnangagwa touted the partnership as a major step forward in modernizing Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure and expanding connectivity for citizens.
“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 president noted that Starlink’s investment in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications infrastructure reflects the spirit of the “Second Republic” mantra.
“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.“
President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the partnership between IMC Communications Private Limited and Starlink, stating that this move will revolutionize Zimbabwe’s digital and communications technology landscape.
“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.”
