Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is charting an ambitious path towards digital media sovereignty and infrastructure modernisation, with a focus on satellite technology and national signal coverage, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, has said.
Speaking at the 17th Annual General Meeting of Transmedia Corporation in Harare yesterday, Dr Muswere said Government was accelerating the integration of Transmedia with the ICT sector to drive down operational costs, boost national signal distribution and reinforce Zimbabwe’s position in regional broadcasting leadership.
“We have done the digital infrastructure masterplan of the ICT sector,” he said. “Now, we should be in a position to make two in order to reduce the costs of operation. The digital phase gives us technological sovereignty, and we must align this with terrestrial and satellite infrastructure.”
Dr Muswere said there must be urgency in developing a regional blueprint for satellite communication systems as Zimbabwe holds the SADC chairmanship and membership in continental bodies such as the PAP (Pan-African Parliament).
“There is a need for us to come up with a blueprint that ensures we put in place satellite technology in terms of media sovereignty for our country. This will ensure we have total coverage across Zimbabwe,” he said. Dr Muswere urged Transmedia to diversify its business and invest in research and development.
“There is a need to be innovative and make evidence-based decisions. The broadcasting sector must move beyond structural hindrances and grow through new technologies,” he said.
The minister applauded the leadership and shared vision between Transmedia’s board, management and stakeholders.
“Transmedia has a key role in ensuring total media coverage and digital sovereignty. The future lies in collaborative innovation and infrastructure integration,” said Dr Muswere.
Transmedia chief executive officer, Engineer Adonia Mushosho, echoed the minister’s sentiments and presented a performance report that showed signs of growth despite operational challenges.
“Our corporation experienced a 28,8 percent increase in income to ZWG19,4 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year,” said Eng Mushosho. We are the only signal distribution company in Zimbabwe, and infrastructure sharing with telecoms companies contributed 10 percent of our revenue.”
He said while network availability stood at 91 percent, below the 99 percent target, Transmedia is actively expanding its infrastructure footprint.
“Our target for 2025 is to install 10 FM radio transmitters and five TV transmitters. So far, two FM transmitters are up, and more are being installed by July”.
Highlighting innovation and clean energy adoption, Eng Mushosho said a solar-powered transmission tower in Ngarawa, Nyanga, was built in partnership with UNESCO and UNDP.
“That transmitter now covers a radius of 70km and has brought signal and mobile connectivity to a previously excluded community,” he said.
