- Strategic technological partnership
- Exclusive licensing agreement
- Transformational Impact on digital infrastructure
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced Zimbabwe’s endorsement of Elon Musk’s Starlink, making it the eighth African nation to authorize the satellite internet service. The licensing, revealed on Saturday, entails a collaboration between Starlink and IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd, a local firm owned by Wicknell Chivayo, an associate of the president.
Mnangagwa hailed the significance of cutting-edge technology as a key governmental strategy during the announcement. He lauded the partnership, stating, “I extend congratulations, on behalf of the Zimbabwean government, to IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd and Starlink for this commendable milestone aimed at revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s digital and communications technology.”
The rights to operate were bestowed upon Chivayo’s company by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), ensuring that Starlink’s services will be exclusively available through IMC Communications.
Zimbabwe now joins a select group of African nations serviced by Starlink, including Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.
This development comes amid Starlink’s recent clampdown on unlicensed operations, prompting discontinuation of services for subscribers in countries lacking official approval.
Meanwhile, Ghana is in the process of formally licensing Starlink. Despite local restrictions, a burgeoning black market has enabled users to unofficially access the service.
Starlink’s arrival in Zimbabwe is poised to significantly bolster the country’s digital infrastructure, offering high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions, and marking a crucial stride in Zimbabwe’s technological progression.
