Patrick Chitumba in GWERU
ZIMBABWE’S digitalisation programme is gathering momentum, with the Government targeting nationwide television and radio coverage by the end of 2028 to ensure all citizens have access to information.
The expansion programme includes the installation of five new television transmitters by the end of this year, with a further 10 scheduled for next year.
The rollout is expected to increase national television coverage to 56 percent by the end of next year.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana announced the targets during the ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop in Gweru, where officials met to chart the institution’s strategic direction for 2027.
“For the first time in about six years, we are now in an accelerated phase of the digitalisation project. We are rolling out more transmitters. By the end of this year, we will have installed five new transmitters,” said Mr Mangwana.
“In 2028, we expect to complete the entire digitalisation project.”
Radio coverage is also set for significant expansion, with the ministry targeting 85 percent national coverage by the end of this year, rising to 90 percent by the first quarter of 2027 and 95 percent by the end of that year.
Mr Mangwana said funding had previously been a major obstacle, but the Government had now ring-fenced resources to guarantee universal access to information.
Reflecting on recent milestones, he highlighted the success of the CAB3 national information campaign, which was conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Zimpapers.
Mr Mangwana also noted ongoing cooperation agreements with Russia and China, which continue to provide training opportunities and masterclasses for Zimbabwean journalists.
