Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Reporter
THE nation is registering significant strides towards a digitally inclusive future with the launch of the Africa Broadband Mapping System project set to create a detailed, public map of the nation’s digital infrastructure and pinpoint connectivity gaps.
The launch was made at the inaugural National Broadband Mapping Systems workshop held here in Victoria Falls on Thursday, a high-level event that brought together Government officials, international partners, and telecommunications stakeholders.
The project, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and funded by the European Union (EU) under the Africa-Europe Digital Regulators Partnership, will see Zimbabwe become one of eleven beneficiary countries on the continent.
Over the next four years, it will deliver a publicly accessible visualisation tool to guide infrastructure deployment, attract investment, and ensure equitable digital development.
The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, whose speech was delivered by her Deputy, Dingumuzi Phuthi, emphasised the project’s profound alignment with national development goals.
“The Government of Zimbabwe welcomes the Africa Broadband Mapping Project with a great deal of hope and anticipation as the Project presents a significant opportunity for our nation to bridge the digital divide, foster inclusive growth and promote socio-economic development through informed policymaking and investment planning,” said Min Mavetera.
The Minister highlighted that the project’s main deliverable—a Visualisation Tool—would be instrumental for the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and other stakeholders.
“Beyond mapping information, the Visualisation tool would provide accurate data on existing infrastructure, coverage footprints, coverage gaps and areas of need. Such information is particularly vital in pursuit of our overarching National Objective of building an inclusive information Society where no community and no one is left behind,” she said.
The project is seen as a critical enabler for key Government policies, including the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the National ICT Policy, and the National Broadband Plan, which envisions a highly connected Information Society enabled by universal and reliable broadband networks, services and applications, by 2030.
The Government’s commitment was further reaffirmed by outlining several policy strides, including the introduction of the Converged Licensing Framework in 2021 and the launch of the National AI Strategy, for which robust broadband infrastructure is a foundational pillar.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, the POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete highlighted how the project is a necessity.
He likened the current digital landscape to an uncharted territory.
“Imagine trying to navigate a vast, unfamiliar landscape without a map. Roads may end abruptly, bridges may be missing, and travellers risk getting lost while opportunities pass by unnoticed.
Investments may be misdirected, resources wasted, and the promise of progress delayed. Today, we are here to change that narrative for Zimbabwe’s digital landscape,” said Dr Machengete.
He elaborated on the tangible benefits of the mapping system, stating that it would allow providers to plan efficiently, avoid duplication, and ensure resources are directed where most needed.
“Broadband mapping will also facilitate collaboration between providers and communities, protect critical infrastructure from vandalism, and support infrastructure sharing to reduce costs while expanding access,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena