Zimbabwe has proposed the establishment of a regional telecommunications satellite, shared bandwidth infrastructure and a dedicated Southern African Development Community (SADC) television channel as part of recommendations submitted to ministers meeting under the SADC Cluster on Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology.
Speaking in a sideline interview during the SADC Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology in Bulawayo yesterday, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Chief Operating Officer Engineer Tapiwa Mudzamba said Zimbabwe had tabled a proposal for the launch of a SADC telecommunications satellite to improve connectivity and reduce dependence on external service providers.
“One of the key recommendations that we have submitted as Zimbabwe is the need for SADC to have its own telecommunications satellite.
Such a satellite would enhance connectivity across the region, improve access to communication services and reduce our reliance on infrastructure outside the region,” he said.
He added that ownership of a regional satellite would improve the bloc’s digital sovereignty and support economic development initiatives.
“We believe that having our own satellite will strengthen regional integration and ensure that SADC countries are better positioned to provide affordable and reliable communication services to their citizens,” said Engineer Mudzamba.
The ZBC executive also highlighted the need for SADC member states to establish a shared bandwidth framework to improve internet access and lower costs across the region.
“We have also proposed the concept of shared bandwidth among SADC countries. This would enable member states to leverage each other’s infrastructure and resources, resulting in improved connectivity and potentially lower costs of communication services,” he said.
According to Engineer Mudzamba, the region should work towards harmonising ICT infrastructure to ensure that all member states benefit from advances in digital technology.
He further revealed that discussions had included the establishment of a SADC television channel to promote regional content and strengthen information sharing among member states.
“A SADC television channel would provide a platform for telling our own stories as a region, showcasing our cultures, promoting regional programmes and strengthening the dissemination of information across member states,” he said.
Engineer Mudzamba also noted that Zimbabwe continues to perform strongly in the telecommunications sector.
“Zimbabwe is among the top five SADC countries in terms of mobile penetration. This demonstrates the progress that the country has made in expanding access to communication services and embracing digital technologies,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the recommendations would receive favourable consideration from SADC Ministers meeting later today.
The SADC Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology brings together policymakers and technical experts from member states to review regional programmes and formulate recommendations for consideration by Ministers.
The meeting is focusing on enhancing regional connectivity, digital transformation, information sharing and infrastructure development across the SADC region.
