- First phase to link Plumtree, Bulawayo and Livingstone within six months
- Cross-border links to neighbouring countries also planned
What happened: Fibre network rollout begins
Paratus Zimbabwe has partnered with PowerTel, a unit of the state-owned Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA). Together, they are starting a new high-capacity fibre-optic network that will stretch across Zimbabwe. They will both invest in this plan. The first part of the rollout will connect Plumtree, Bulawayo, and Livingstone. This is expected to be ready within six months. These towns are significant because they are situated along key trade and transportation corridors. By linking them, the new network can serve both businesses and people in these areas.
The project is part of a larger plan that PowerTel announced in 2023. The company said it would invest US$570 million over seven years to improve the country’s internet infrastructure. The plan includes several phases. US$355 million will be used to expand fixed access networks, US$112 million to improve mobile coverage, and US$50 million to upgrade 4G and 5G services. The partnership with Paratus means PowerTel can now move faster and cover more ground. Paratus also brings regional experience, as it operates in other African countries like Angola, Zambia, and South Africa.
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Why it’s important
Zimbabwe has struggled with slow and unreliable internet in many places, especially outside the main cities. This new project could help solve that problem. By laying down a strong fibre backbone, the country can improve internet speeds and make access more stable. More people and businesses will be able to go online, and this can help them work better and grow faster. Rural communities, which are often left behind in digital development, may now get connected too.
The partnership also looks beyond Zimbabwe. The network will link with nearby countries, which can make Zimbabwe a hub for data traffic in southern Africa. This means that more regional internet traffic could pass through Zimbabwe instead of other routes. That could make data services cheaper and bring more investment to the country. Paratus, which has a wide network in Africa, will also benefit by expanding its reach. The deal shows how companies can work together to build better digital infrastructure across borders.
