Zimbabwe Seeks USD 200 Million to Finance Telecommunications Satellite Launch
Zimbabwe is seeking more than USD 200 million to finance the launch of a new telecommunications satellite to improve digital connectivity and strengthen the country’s ICT infrastructure, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has announced.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) 2026 Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) breakfast forum, Professor Ncube said the satellite project forms part of government efforts to support the country’s transition to a digital economy.
“The success of this industry relies on strong ICT infrastructure and connectivity,” Professor Ncube stated. “Our project of launching a communications satellite is part of this digital economy push. We are raising over USD 200 million to support the launch of a telecom satellite that will improve connectivity and strengthen our ICT infrastructure. It will also change the telecommunications and television space.”
Engaging Potential Investors
The Treasury chief said the Government is currently engaging potential financiers to support the project. “We are talking to various potential sources of capital and hope we will succeed. It’s a new area for us, how to make money from satellites, so we have had to present a business case,” Professor Ncube explained.
The proposed telecommunications satellite is expected to play a key role in expanding Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure, which authorities say is critical for supporting the growth of the business and knowledge process outsourcing sector.
Building on Earth Observation Capabilities
This development follows Zimbabwe’s previous announcements regarding its Earth observation satellite programme. The country recently launched its first satellite under the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) programme, developed through international cooperation. Furthermore, authorities have announced plans to launch a third Earth observation satellite, ZIMSAT-3, to boost the country’s space capabilities, building upon ZIMSAT-1 and ZIMSAT-2.
The Government has deployed existing Earth observation satellites primarily for agricultural applications and soil erosion monitoring, demonstrating its prioritisation of agriculture-focused space initiatives to tackle critical development challenges in food security and natural resource management.