Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has today taken a major step towards becoming a regional telecommunications gateway after Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe announced that the first phase of a landmark cross-border fibre optic project is now live and carrying traffic.
This follows the commissioning of the Plumtree-Bulawayo section, marking the first operational phase of a high-capacity digital corridor that will ultimately connect Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and the wider Southern African telecommunications network.
The project, being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe, signed in June last year, is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure and position Zimbabwe as a strategic hub for data traffic across Southern Africa.
The newly commissioned route is already operating with an equipped traffic capacity of 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) using state-of-the-art Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology, with the infrastructure capable of supporting more than 10 terabits per second as demand grows.
Powertel Communications managing director Mr Willard Nyagwande described the achievement as a defining moment for Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
“This project is planned, built, owned and operated by Powertel as the licensed national carrier under POTRAZ and the telecommunications arm of ZESA.
“Our partnership with Paratus provides the commercial framework that enables this investment while ensuring Zimbabwe retains operational control of the infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Nyagwande said the model had transformed a national infrastructure ambition into a commercially viable investment capable of supporting future expansion of the regional fibre corridor.
Paratus Group chief commercial officer Mr Martin Cox said the activation of the first phase fulfilled a key milestone in the company’s vision of creating the first high-capacity digital corridor linking Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“This is about far more than fibre infrastructure. It is about building the digital foundations that enable economic growth, regional integration and improved access to world-class connectivity,” he said.
Mr Cox said integrating Zimbabwe into the Paratus continental network would strengthen resilient connectivity for businesses, internet service providers and communities while supporting future expansion across Africa.
Mutapa Investment Fund head of head of energy and trading cluster Mr Tinashe Yafele, said the project represented a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s digital economy and supported Government’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy objectives.
“With an equipped capacity of 800Gbps, this project stands as a significant landmark in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey.
“It strengthens the infrastructure required for modern commerce, education, healthcare, financial services, e-government and industrial development while positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic telecommunications gateway for Southern Africa,” he said.
Mr Yafele urged the partners to maintain momentum on the remaining phases of the project extending to Livingstone in Zambia.
The second phase, linking Bulawayo and Livingstone, is expected to be completed during the next quarter, further strengthening regional network resilience and creating new opportunities for trade, investment and digital innovation.
The project is expected to play a key role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitiveness by providing high-capacity, reliable and scalable telecommunications infrastructure capable of supporting the country’s growing digital economy.
Peter Tanyanyiwa