Zimbabwe plans to deploy a third national satellite, known as ZIMSAT-3, to improve internet connectivity, according to its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) covering the 2026–2030 period.
According to We are Tech.Africa, the strategy document says the satellite is expected to support broadband expansion and improve access to digital services in both rural and urban areas.
The plan is part of wider government efforts to increase internet access across the country. In March 2024, the government said it was exploring partnerships with several satellite service providers to expand coverage and reduce costs.
NDS2 also outlines steps to strengthen digital infrastructure, including extending high-speed fibre-optic networks in urban, peri-urban and rural areas, expanding mobile broadband access, and installing solar-powered digital kiosks in off-grid and underserved communities.
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The strategy further calls for infrastructure-sharing agreements among telecommunications operators to accelerate network deployment and lower the cost of internet and digital services.
According to the GSMA, the move highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in closing the digital divide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where difficult terrain often limits the rollout of terrestrial networks.
Data from DataReportal show that Zimbabwe had 6.45 million internet users at the start of 2025, representing an internet penetration rate of 38.4%.
The International Telecommunication Union estimates that in 2024, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks covered 93.9%, 87.9%, 51.6% and 15.9% of the country respectively.
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