en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first phase of a cross-border fiber project, built in partnership between Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe, is now operational and carrying traffic. This high-capacity digital corridor connects Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and Paratus' Southern African network.
This project marks the first major outcome of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement signed in June 2025, under which both parties jointly invested in and developed high-capacity long-haul fiber infrastructure across Zimbabwe. As equal investment partners, the project leverages Powertel's national fiber backbone and Paratus' continental network coverage, technology, and expertise in building resilient telecommunications infrastructure. Powertel is a national operator licensed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe and the telecommunications arm of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
The newly operational Plumtree to Bulawayo section is the first fiber route connecting to Paratus' network in Zimbabwe. Utilizing the latest Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology, this route can provide capacity exceeding 10 Tb/s, with an initial equipped traffic capacity of 800 Gb in the first phase. The second phase, connecting Bulawayo and Livingstone, is scheduled to become operational in September 2026, completing a strategic cross-border corridor linking three countries.
Under this project, Powertel is responsible for planning, building, owning, and operating the infrastructure, partnering with Paratus under an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) model. This IRU transforms national infrastructure ambitions into a bankable, investable, and replicable commercial reality, aligning the interests of both parties over the entire economic life of the asset. Willard Nyagwande, Managing Director of Powertel Communications, stated that this project is a defining moment, and the IRU signed with the partner enables the company to lead this corridor with financial support from a renowned continental partner while retaining operational control and regulatory responsibility.
Martin Cox, Chief Commercial Officer of the Paratus Group, noted that this route represents tangible progress towards the vision of the first high-capacity digital corridor connecting Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. This development strengthens cross-border connectivity and supports the region's long-term economic growth. By integrating Zimbabwe into the Paratus network, the company's contiguous network coverage now extends from South Africa through Botswana and Zimbabwe to Zambia, creating resilient connectivity for businesses, service providers, and communities across the region.
Tinashe Yafele, Head of the Energy and Trading Cluster at Zimbabwe's sovereign wealth fund, Mutapa Investment Fund, stated that this project is a strategic investment in Zimbabwe's digital economy, regional integration, and long-term economic development. It strengthens the digital infrastructure necessary for modern business, education, healthcare, e-government, financial services, and industrial development, supporting the goals of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, and Zimbabwe's Digital Economy Strategy, while positioning Zimbabwe as a strategic regional telecommunications gateway connecting Southern Africa. He called on all cooperating parties to remain focused on completing the remaining phases of the strategic corridor to Livingstone, Zambia, and to continue investing in infrastructure to enhance the nation's competitiveness.
The next phase of the project will extend the route from Bulawayo to Livingstone, planned for completion within the next quarter, to further enhance regional network resilience and create new opportunities for trade, innovation, and digital participation in Southern Africa.
