On Thursday, March 7, 2024, President Mnangagwa is set to launch the second phase of Zimbabwe’s national rail fibre optic project, positioning the country as a key hub for internet services in Africa.
The initiative, led by Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS) Group, aims to boost connectivity between Zimbabwe and the continent, enhancing broadband services and influencing data prices positively.
With an initial investment of over US$18 million, the first phase covered the route from Beitbridge through Rutenga, Somabhula, Bulawayo, and Hwange to Victoria Falls.
The ongoing second phase extends the network from Somabhula through Gweru to Harare and includes routes from Bulawayo to Plumtree and Harare to Mutare.
The project’s final phase will install the fibre optic system from Rutenga to Chikwalakwala, covering the entire national rail network and expanding into Zambia and beyond.
Aligned with the Second Republic’s vision and Africa Agenda 2063, the project aims to leave no part of Zimbabwe untouched, contributing to the goal of achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030.
“President Mnangagwa is expected to officiate at the launch of the second phase of the rail fibre optic project that connects Zimbabwe and Africa with broadband services in Somabhula area about 45 km from Gweru,” she said.
Dr. Matevera mentioned that the President is slated to unveil both the National ICT Policy and the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 master plan, signalling a significant stride towards enhanced ICT technology in Zimbabwe.
During a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, President Mnangagwa explored various aspects, including the effective use of ICT technologies in the country.
In collaboration with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the BCS Group utilised cutting-edge technology to excavate and install cables beneath the ground alongside the railway line, propelling the nation into the era of the 4th industrial revolution.
Employing a locomotive pulling a 100-tonne machine, the process involves ploughing 1.2 metres deep on the rail’s side while simultaneously laying a hollow duck pipe for the cable infrastructure. A specialised device promptly fills the trench as the cables are laid.
Owen Ncube, the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, highlighted that this multi-million-dollar project stands as a testament to President Mnangagwa’s unwavering commitment to achieving Vision 2030 through the adoption of ICT technologies.
“With such a huge project as this one, it is clear that Vision 2030 is well on course with our visionary President leading the way,” he said.
