Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Government is accelerating efforts to strengthen digital media sovereignty through a nationwide broadcasting modernisation programme that combines terrestrial and satellite technologies.
This emerged during the 18th Annual General Meeting of Transmedia Corporation held in Harare this Wednesday.
The meeting, attended by financial analysts and other stakeholders, heard that the country’s sole signal distribution entity is expanding coverage to underserved areas while integrating clean energy solutions and digital innovation into its infrastructure.
Transmedia Board Chairperson, Engineer Lawrence Nkala, said the corporation has made significant progress in modernising Zimbabwe’s broadcasting transmission infrastructure and advancing digital transformation.
“The beginning of 2026 marked a significant milestone in Transmedia Corporation’s journey towards convergence. As part of efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s broadcasting transmission infrastructure and advance digitisation, the corporation continues to implement strategic projects aimed at improving radio and television service delivery.
“During the period under review, the corporation successfully commissioned the Tongogara FM Transmission Project and completed the Bayethe Expansion Project in Maphisa, significantly improving access to broadcasting services in previously underserved areas. Progress was also made on critical Over-the-Top (OTT) platform initiatives and other digital transformation projects,” he said.
Transmedia Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Adonis Mushosho, said infrastructure sharing arrangements and revenue generated through the motor vehicle radio licence fee framework have strengthened the corporation’s financial position.
“We are the sole signal distribution company in Zimbabwe, and infrastructure sharing with telecommunications companies contributed 10 percent of our revenue. The continued implementation of the motor vehicle radio licence fee revenue-sharing framework significantly enhanced the corporation’s revenue base, providing resources necessary for infrastructure development and network modernisation initiatives.
“Management maintained a disciplined approach to expenditure management while prioritising capital investments in strategic projects that directly contribute to improved service delivery and long-term sustainability,” he said.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, underscored the importance of Transmedia in facilitating the flow of information between broadcasters and communities.
“My Ministry expects Transmedia to operate on a commercial basis while at the same time fulfilling its social responsibility of ensuring information reaches all citizens. A balance must therefore be struck between these expectations.
“Although the corporation recorded an operating profit, its cash flow position remains unsatisfactory due to erratic payments by broadcasters for services rendered. I therefore urge the corporation to strengthen debt recovery mechanisms. While amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act have provided financial relief, these measures should complement ordinary revenue generation efforts,” he said.
According to the corporation’s financial report, Transmedia recorded a positive trading performance during the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased revenue from motor vehicle radio licence fee sharing, transmission services and infrastructure leasing arrangements.
