The Government of Zimbabwe is actively seeking investors to raise more than US$200 million for the development of a national telecommunications satellite, a major project aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Mthuli Ncube, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, during the launch of the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) operational framework.
According to Prof. Ncube, the satellite project forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to expand the digital economy and support the growth of the outsourcing sector, which depends heavily on reliable and high-speed internet connectivity.
“Our project of launching a communication satellite is part of this,” Prof. Ncube said while highlighting the importance of strong Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the BKPO industry.
The government has confirmed that it is currently engaging potential investors and funding partners to help finance the ambitious project. Authorities believe that investing in satellite technology will not only improve connectivity but also open new economic opportunities in the technology and digital services sectors.
Once completed, the proposed telecommunications satellite is expected to significantly improve internet coverage across Zimbabwe, increase internet penetration, and expand mobile data services, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Officials say the improved connectivity will help position Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for outsourcing services, enabling businesses in sectors such as customer support, data processing, and digital services to operate more efficiently within the global digital economy.
