President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe announced a significant development on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, revealing that Starlink has been granted a licence to operate in the Southern African country. This decision underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing its digital economy and embracing cutting-edge technology under Vision 2030.
President Mnangagwa emphasized the pivotal role of innovation, science, and technology in Zimbabwe’s developmental agenda. He highlighted that creating an enabling environment for technology investment is crucial in today’s digital age, where technology plays a vital role in everyday activities.
The licensing of Starlink in Zimbabwe by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) marks a pivotal moment in the country’s technological landscape. POTRAZ had recently issued warnings against the unauthorized distribution of Starlink equipment and services, signaling a stringent regulatory stance.
President Mnangagwa clarified the government’s position, stating, “I have approved the licensing of Starlink by POTRAZ to provide advanced internet and related digital processing services in Zimbabwe through its sole and exclusive local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.” This move is expected to enhance internet connectivity and digital services across Zimbabwe.
Starlink, a satellite internet system operated by SpaceX, has been expanding rapidly since its inception in 2019, covering more than 60 countries worldwide. The approval in Zimbabwe reflects the growing global reach and impact of Starlink in improving internet accessibility, especially in underserved regions.
This development underscores Zimbabwe’s readiness to embrace advanced technology solutions to drive economic growth and digital inclusion. It positions the country to leverage cutting-edge satellite technology to bridge the digital divide and empower businesses and individuals with reliable internet connectivity.
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