Zimbabwe seeks financial support from Africa50 to develop its fiber optic network
October 3rd 2022
The construction of ICT infrastructure is a strategic axis of the five-year development plan of the Zimbabwean government over the period 2021-2025. The country is exploring external financing options, given its limited availability.
The Zimbabwean government is seeking to expand its nationwide fiber optic network, as part of a massive infrastructure investment project. To carry out this project, which covers all sectors of the economy and requires around 40 million USD, Harare called on the pan-African infrastructure investment platform Africa50, in which it is a shareholder.
Clemence Chiduwa, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Finance, revealed this information on Wednesday July 29 after a meeting with Tshepidi Moremong, Director of Operations of Africa50. “ The projects we are considering are those in the ICT sector, particularly those involving fiber optics, and the development of fiber is in line with the national development strategy (NDS 1), which makes the digital economy an area priority ,” he said.
Unveiled in 2020, this strategic plan aims to move Zimbabwe into the category of upper middle income economies by 2030, in particular through the use of ICT and digital technology.
The fiber optic network that the Zimbabwean government aims to develop will ultimately provide the high-speed connectivity needed for the digital transformation of public administration and private companies in Zimbabwe. It should also promote the active participation of populations in the digital economy.
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