Harare, Zimbabwe – May 25, 2024 – Zimbabwe took a major step towards bridging the digital divide today after approving a license for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. The decision, announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to bring high-speed, low-cost internet to remote areas across the country, significantly boosting national internet access.
“This development will see the deployment of advanced internet infrastructure, particularly in rural areas,” Mnangagwa said in a statement. Currently, only around 35% of Zimbabwe’s population has access to the internet, according to a 2021 World Bank report. The country’s internet landscape is dominated by a handful of mobile network operators, often leaving rural communities without reliable connections.
Starlink will operate in Zimbabwe through a local partner, IMC Communications. This approval comes after a period of government action against unregistered users who had been acquiring Starlink equipment from neighboring countries where the service is already available. Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe follows its successful launch in several other African nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi.
