Staff Writer
Zimbabwe’s connectivity landscape is set to transform following the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ in 2024.
This landmark move allows Starlink to partner with local resellers and dealers to deliver affordable and reliable satellite internet across the country, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
The initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide and bring high-speed internet access to areas where traditional infrastructure remains inadequate.
“This is a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector,” POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift Machengete said at the 2024 Annual Strategic Planning Workshop in Bulawayo.
“The entry of Starlink and other new players is a testament to the evolving regulatory framework that supports innovation and competition.”
In addition to Starlink, POTRAZ also issued seven new telecom licenses and three in the courier services sector in 2024.
This progress aligns with the Authority’s goal of enhancing connectivity and advancing digital inclusion, a cornerstone of the nation’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Dr Machengete underscored the importance of collaboration and clear role demarcation between the Ministry of ICT, the POTRAZ Board, and management in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
Dr. Machengete likened organizational roles to vehicles on a highway, emphasizing that staying in one’s lane ensures efficiency and prevents “chaos and inefficiency.”
“While we may have different roles, those roles are designed to complement each other,” said Dr Machengete, using the metaphor of an axe and a razor blade to highlight the importance of teamwork.
He also welcomed the participation of the Corporate Governance Unit (CGU) for the first time, noting its role in helping POTRAZ align its governance structure for greater effectiveness.
The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including Minister of ICT Dr Tatenda Mavetera and Deputy Minister Hon Dingimuzi Phuti, reflects a commitment to aligning strategies and ensuring a unified approach to ICT development.
As POTRAZ looks ahead to 2025, this alignment is expected to drive progress and innovation in Zimbabwe’s ICT sector.
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