Zimbabwe is seeking about US$200 million from investors to finance the construction and launch of a telecommunications satellite aimed at improving internet access and expanding digital connectivity across the country, officials said.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the plan on Wednesday during the launch of the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) operational framework, a strategy designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s digital services sector.
The proposed satellite, known as ZIMSAT-3, is expected to support efforts to improve broadband coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas where telecommunications infrastructure remains limited.
“We are talking to various potential sources of capital, and we hope we will succeed. We have to keep pushing. It is a new area for us, as you can imagine, how to make money off satellites,” Ncube was quoted by local media as saying.
The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) for the 2026–2030 period, which prioritises digital transformation and improved connectivity as key drivers of economic growth.
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Authorities say the planned satellite would complement existing broadband expansion programmes and help expand access to digital services across the country.
Satellite-based communications are increasingly viewed by governments across Africa as a way to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions where traditional telecom networks are expensive to deploy.
Zimbabwe has been exploring partnerships with international satellite service providers as it seeks to reduce connectivity costs and improve internet access.
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In 2024, the government approved the rollout of services by Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk.
The company officially launched services in Zimbabwe in September 2024 after securing regulatory approval from authorities.
Since then, the government has collaborated with the provider on several initiatives aimed at expanding internet connectivity.
In January this year, officials announced plans to equip primary and secondary schools across the country with about 8,000 Starlink internet kits to support digital education.
Information and communication technology minister Tatenda Mavetera has previously said satellite technology could help address structural connectivity challenges faced by Zimbabwe.
As a landlocked country, Zimbabwe often relies on regional fibre-optic infrastructure for data transmission, which can increase routing costs and limit network expansion in remote areas.
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A domestic satellite could reduce reliance on terrestrial networks while improving resilience and coverage, particularly in rural communities.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, Zimbabwe’s 4G network covered about 51.6 percent of the population in 2024.
Coverage stood at roughly 93.9 percent for 2G networks and 87.9 percent for 3G services, while 5G coverage remained limited at about 15.9 percent.
Despite these infrastructure gaps, mobile phone adoption in the country remains relatively high.
Data compiled by DataReportal shows that Zimbabwe had around 16.2 million mobile subscriptions at the end of December 2025, representing a penetration rate of roughly 95 percent.
However, the country had only about 6.54 million internet users — equivalent to around 38.4 percent of the population — highlighting the persistent digital divide.
Experts note that subscription statistics can sometimes overstate actual usage because many individuals hold multiple SIM cards.
While satellite technology can extend network coverage, analysts say widespread adoption will also depend on the affordability of internet services, compatible devices and improvements in digital literacy.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the ZIMSAT-3 project.
Before construction and launch can begin, the government must secure funding for the satellite, a process that could take several years before the system becomes operational.
