By Shingirai Vambe
Zimbabwe is seeking to mobilise more than US$200 million to finance the launch of a telecommunications satellite aimed at improving digital connectivity and strengthening the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has revealed.
The ambitious project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate Zimbabwe’s transition into a digital economy and expand the country’s capacity in the rapidly evolving global technology sector.
Speaking during the 2026 Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) breakfast forum organised by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), Ncube said robust digital infrastructure remains a critical requirement for the development of emerging sectors such as outsourcing services, digital finance, and technology-driven industries.
“The success of this industry relies on strong ICT infrastructure and connectivity,” Ncube said while addressing business leaders, investors and policymakers at the forum.
“Our project of launching a communications satellite is part of this digital economy push. We are trying to raise over US$200 million to support the launch of a telecom satellite, which will improve connectivity and strengthen our ICT infrastructure.”
According to the minister, the telecommunications satellite is expected to enhance the country’s communication systems, particularly in underserved rural areas where internet connectivity remains limited.
“We have to be ambitious,” said Mthuli Ncube with a light laugh, as he responded to questions from delegates at the forum about the government’s satellite ambitions.
Zimbabwe has a satellite milestone, after the country successfully launched its first satellite under the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency programme.
The proposed telecommunications satellite is also expected to play a significant role in transforming Zimbabwe’s media landscape, which has for many years continued to operate largely on analogue systems. Despite previous government efforts to migrate the country’s broadcasting sector to digital platforms, progress has been slow, leaving parts of the industry lagging behind global technological standards.
Authorities believe the introduction of advanced satellite infrastructure could accelerate the long-awaited transition to digital broadcasting. By strengthening transmission capacity and expanding signal coverage, the project is expected to modernise broadcasting services, improve the quality of television and radio transmission, and open new opportunities for content distribution across the country.
Industry observers say such developments could help reposition Zimbabwe’s media sector within the broader digital economy, enabling broadcasters and digital content producers to tap into emerging technologies and reach wider audiences both locally and internationally.
“We are talking to various potential sources of capital and hope we will succeed,” he said.
“It’s a new area for us, how to make money from satellites, so we have had to present a business case.”
Authorities believe that a domestic communications satellite could reduce Zimbabwe’s reliance on foreign satellite services while strengthening national digital infrastructure.
The project is also expected to improve telecommunications coverage, support television broadcasting services, and enhance the reliability of internet connectivity across the country.
The proposed satellite initiative forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising Zimbabwe’s economy and positioning the country as a potential hub for technology-enabled services in the region.
Government officials argue that improved digital infrastructure is necessary to unlock opportunities in sectors such as business process outsourcing, remote services, e-commerce, fintech and artificial intelligence.
However, the plan to raise more than US$200 million for the satellite project is likely to trigger debate in policy and economic circles, particularly at a time when Zimbabwe continues to grapple with fiscal constraints, infrastructure deficits and persistent economic challenges.
Critics have questioned whether large-scale technology investments should take precedence over other pressing national priorities such as healthcare, education, power generation and basic service delivery.
The telecommunications satellite proposal comes as Zimbabwe continues to expand its involvement in space science and satellite technology through the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA).
In recent years, the country successfully launched its first earth observation satellite, marking a significant milestone in its emerging space programme. The satellite was developed through international collaboration and is being used primarily for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications.
Authorities have indicated that the country plans to expand these capabilities further, including the development of additional earth observation satellites such as ZIMSAT-3 to complement earlier launches.
The existing satellites are currently being used to support agricultural planning, monitor soil erosion and provide geospatial data to assist government planning and disaster management efforts.
Despite concerns over financing, government officials insist that investments in digital infrastructure and space technology are essential if Zimbabwe is to remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.
A communications satellite, authorities say, could significantly improve connectivity across the country while opening new economic opportunities in telecommunications, broadcasting and technology services.
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