Powertel
Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have officially activated the first phase
of their landmark cross-border fiber optic project, marking a major milestone
in the development of a high-capacity digital corridor connecting Zimbabwe with
Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and the wider Southern African region.
The newly
operational route, stretching between Plumtree and Bulawayo, is now live and
carrying internet traffic. It forms the first phase of a strategic
public-private partnership (PPP) signed by the two companies in June 2025 to
jointly develop high-capacity long-distance fiber infrastructure across
Zimbabwe.
The project
combines Powertel's extensive national fiber backbone with Paratus' continental
network, advanced technology and technical expertise to create a resilient
telecommunications corridor aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and
accelerating digital transformation.
According to
the partners, the new route is powered by state-of-the-art Dense Wavelength
Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology, capable of supporting data
transmission capacities exceeding 10 terabits per second. The first phase has
been launched with an initial equipped capacity of 800 gigabits per second
(Gbps), providing a scalable platform to meet growing connectivity demands
across the region.
The second
phase of the project, which will extend the network from Bulawayo to
Livingstone in Zambia, is expected to be completed in September 2026, creating
a continuous high-capacity fiber corridor linking Botswana, Zimbabwe and
Zambia.
Speaking
during the launch, Powertel Acting Managing Director, Willard Nyagwande,
described the achievement as a defining moment for the company and for
Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector.
He said the
project demonstrates how strategic collaboration between public and private
sector partners can deliver nationally owned infrastructure while attracting
international investment. He added that the partnership model enables Powertel
to retain ownership and operational control of the infrastructure while
benefiting from Paratus' financial backing and regional expertise.
Paratus
Group Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Cox, said the activation of the first
phase represents significant progress toward the company's vision of creating
the first high-capacity digital corridor connecting Botswana, Zimbabwe and
Zambia.
He noted
that the project goes beyond laying fiber cables by establishing the digital
infrastructure needed to drive economic growth, regional integration and
improved access to world-class connectivity for businesses, service providers
and communities across Southern Africa.
Guest of
Honour Tinashe Yafele, Head of Energy and Trading at the Mutapa Investment
Fund, hailed the project as a major milestone in Zimbabwe's digital
transformation journey.
He said the
infrastructure directly supports Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, National Development
Strategy and Digital Economy Strategy by strengthening the country's digital
backbone for commerce, education, healthcare, e-government, financial services
and industrial development. He also emphasized that the project positions
Zimbabwe as a strategic telecommunications gateway for Southern Africa.
Construction
of the remaining section from Bulawayo to Livingstone is already underway and
is expected to be completed during the next quarter. Once finalized, the
corridor is expected to improve regional network resilience while creating new
opportunities for trade, innovation and digital participation across Southern
Africa.
Powertel
Communications, a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings under the Mutapa Investment Fund,
is Zimbabwe's licensed national telecommunications carrier, while Paratus is a
leading pan-African telecommunications and network services provider operating
in 16 African countries with international connectivity extending to Europe,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
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