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The launch of the Fiber Connections Zimbabwe network is testimony to the Government’s commitment to ensuring the provision of robust and reliable communications infrastructure across the country, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal, and Courier Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere has said.
The Minister made the remarks today during the launch of the network in the majestic resort city of Victoria Falls – one of the most prime tourist destinations in the world.
In giving a background, Minister Musere said Fiber connections came to Zimbabwe in 2020 with the view of setting up a telecommunications network.
“They visited my office and shared their plans as would any potential investor. The plans seemed grand and exciting and my advice to them was to proceed and comply with all the necessary legal and regulatory requirements. In February 2022 they were awarded the necessary telecommunication licenses by POTRAZ. The construction of the fiber network commenced in April of this year and what we are witnessing today is the last mile of the deployment.
“ICT is one of the key enablers in the drive to become an upper middle-income economy by 2030. This massive project is one of the key economic and developmental initiatives being spearheaded under the Second Republic. It is one of the milestone projects being undertaken under the Second Republic to promote and enhance the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe and trade facilitation for the whole sub-region,” Dr. Muswere said.
The minister said the attainment of such a milestone signifies investment inflows into the country, and that indeed Zimbabwe is open for business.
He said for Zimbabwe in general, it helps to cement the country’s natural geographic location of being a regional hub for transport and in the recent era; as a communications hub.
The project was made possible due to the collaboration of various entities at different levels including the Government. Fiber Connections has enjoyed the support of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), the Department of Immigration, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) among others.
They have also received support from organizations such as Telone, Dandemutande, Powertel, and Dark Fiber Africa and such collaboration and support are to be applauded.
Minister Muswere said the investment in such a network not only brings foreign direct investment into Zimbabwe’s economy but brings along with it high-speed data connectivity which allows communities along the railway line from Beitbridge to Victoria Falls the opportunity to partake of the opportunities that the internet brings to communities and speaks to President Mnangagwa’s developmental philosophy and mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
He added that the milestone brings along opportunities for symbiotic relationships with a number of other entities within and outside Zimbabwe. These opportunities will trickle down to users of data services, and other licensees who now will not necessarily need to build their own telecom infrastructure but leverage on the new installation and infrastructure sharing which is key to lowering end-user costs. Additionally, the new network also brings along opportunities at the individual level to people who will have the privilege of securing employment and downstream business opportunities from Fiber Connections.
The minister said the project itself has already created employment for a good number of people during its implementation and is expected to create even more quality jobs in the short to medium term, the majority of which are local. The collaboration with ZARNet gives opportunities for educational institutions as well.
“Your association with the National Railways of Zimbabwe will definitely add great value to the railway company’s communication system and enhance the smooth flow of goods and people for the growth of our economy. As a government, we remain open to facilitating and supporting the growth of business in Zimbabwe. Lastly, I would like to thank Fiber Connections for choosing Zimbabwe as the destination for your investment,” Minister Muswere said.