21 July 2025
Paratus Zimbabwe has announced a significant partnership with PowerTel, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), to develop a new high-capacity national fiber infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
This collaboration aims to establish a resilient, long-distance fibre backbone across the country, with plans to extend connectivity beyond borders to neighbouring nations.
PowerTel holds a license to operate an optic fibre backbone network in Zimbabwe, and following Paratus Zimbabwe’s recent licensing approval earlier this year, the two entities will jointly invest in rolling out extensive fibre infrastructure. The initial phase, set to commence within the next six months, will focus on connecting key locations — Plumtree, Bulawayo, and Livingstone — significantly enhancing connectivity in these regions.
“This marks a major step forward in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation because this partnership will enable us to deliver on our mission to provide high capacity and affordable connectivity to the people and enterprises of Zimbabwe. We are proud to be working with Paratus Zimbabwe and to be creating a resilient national long-distance backbone,” said Willard Nyagwande, Acting MD of PowerTel Communications.
“This is very good news for Zimbabwe, and we are delighted to be partnering with PowerTel to bring about this landmark deal. Paratus Zimbabwe will be offering an unmatched service through the Paratus Group’s quality network. By expanding into Zimbabwe, we will bridge gaps between neighbouring countries and further strengthen our regional connectivity,” said Martin Cox, Chief Commercial Officer of Paratus Group. “The Paratus Group is at the centre of Africa’s digital revolution, driving and reshaping connectivity across the continent. We are building networks and creating the digital arteries that will connect more and more people in Africa and give them the service and support they need to realize their individual and collective potential.”
