The government of Zimbabwe has licenced Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country.
In a post on his X handle, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that Starlink will be operating in Zimbabwe through a partnership with a local service provider, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
“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 promiment multi-billionaire Elon Musk,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said 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. 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 noted the partnership between IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd and Starlink is aimed at revolutionising 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 digitalised, upper-middle income economy by 2030.”
Innovation, science and technology are among the strategic pillars that anchor the Second Republic’s developmental agenda under Vision 2030.
In this regard, Government is leading from the front in providing an environment where investment in technology is promoted, thereby giving prioritising the creation of a digital economy.
