ZIMSAT-3: Zimbabwe Bets on Satellite Connectivity

Zimbabwe is placing strategic emphasis on satellite technology to expand national connectivity through its third national satellite, ZIMSAT-3, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The strategy positions ZIMSAT-3 as a key enabler of digital transformation, complementing national broadband expansion and improving access to digital services in both rural and urban areas.

According to the NDS2 document, the satellite will support efforts to strengthen nationwide connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion. The initiative aligns with broader government objectives to achieve universal Internet access across the country. In March 2024, authorities confirmed they were exploring partnerships with multiple satellite service providers to expand coverage and reduce service costs.

Beyond satellite deployment, the strategy outlines plans to expand digital infrastructure across Zimbabwe. These measures include extending high-speed fiber-optic networks to urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, expanding mobile broadband coverage, and deploying solar-powered digital kiosks in off-grid and underserved communities.

The government is also encouraging infrastructure-sharing agreements among telecommunications operators to speed up network rollout and lower the cost of Internet and digital services. This collaborative approach is intended to improve efficiency while maximizing the reach of limited infrastructure investments.

The increased focus on satellite connectivity reflects a broader trend across sub-Saharan Africa, where satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a practical solution for bridging the digital divide. The GSMA has noted that the region faces some of the world’s most challenging geographies for terrestrial networks, including deserts, rainforests, and mountainous terrain, making satellite-based solutions a critical complement to ground-based infrastructure.