Paratus Zimbabwe and Powertel Communications activated the first phase of a high-capacity fiber-optic network between Plumtree and Bulawayo this week. The project, which uses dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology, establishes a digital corridor intended to connect Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa to strengthen regional telecommunications infrastructure.
Plumtree-Bulawayo Network Activation and Technical Specifications
The newly commissioned fiber-optic segment provides an initial operational capacity of 800 gigabits per second (Gbps). According to reporting by ETDatacenters.com, the underlying DWDM technology is capable of scaling to more than 10 terabits per second (Tbps) as regional data demands increase.
This route marks the first active, Paratus-connected fiber path into Zimbabwe. By integrating the country into the broader Paratus network, the partnership aims to create a contiguous digital corridor that extends from South Africa through Botswana and Zimbabwe into Zambia. The use of DWDM is significant in modern telecommunications because it allows for the multiplexing of multiple optical carrier signals onto a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths (colors) of laser light. This effectively multiplies the capacity of the fiber, allowing providers to increase bandwidth without the immediate need to lay additional physical cables across difficult terrain.
Public-Private Partnership and Infrastructure Ownership
The initiative operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement signed in June 2025. While the project is a joint effort, the infrastructure ownership remains with Powertel Communications, the telecommunications arm of the state-owned utility ZESA.
To facilitate the partnership, the companies entered into an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) agreement. An IRU is a common contractual instrument in the telecommunications industry, granting an entity the exclusive, long-term right to use a specific portion of a network’s capacity. By utilizing an IRU, Paratus secures the necessary network access to serve its regional clients without the legal complexities of full asset ownership, while Powertel retains the title to the infrastructure. Willard Nyagwande, Managing Director of Powertel Communications, described the model as the key to the project’s financial viability in a statement provided to W.Media:
“The IRU with our partner Paratus is the commercial vehicle that this project’s success rides on; that allows us to lead this corridor with the financial backing of a renowned and reputable continental partner, whilst retaining the operational primacy over the asset, the regulator-facing relationship, and accountability to ZESA and the people of Zimbabwe.”
Willard Nyagwande, Managing Director of Powertel Communications
This structure allows Paratus to utilize the network for its regional operations as if it owned the infrastructure, while Powertel maintains control as the licensed national carrier under the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). POTRAZ serves as the national regulatory body responsible for licensing telecommunications operators and ensuring compliance with national standards, a role that remains critical as the country moves toward a more integrated digital economy.
Strategic Goals and Expansion to Livingstone
The project is tied to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and its national Digital Economy Strategy. Tinashe Yafele, Head of Cluster: Energy and Trading at the Mutapa Investment Fund, told NewsDay Zimbabwe that the infrastructure is intended to support commerce, education, healthcare, and e-government services. The Mutapa Investment Fund, which manages a diverse portfolio of state-owned enterprises, plays a pivotal role in coordinating these infrastructure projects to ensure they align with national development goals.
Martin Cox, Chief Commercial Officer of Paratus Group, noted that the activation represents the fulfillment of the partnership’s initial goals. As reported by Extensia.tech, Cox stated:
“When we announced the PPP and this project last year, we set out a clear vision to create the first high-capacity digital corridor linking Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Today, we are delighted that the first phase is live, carrying traffic and already delivering real, measurable progress towards that vision.”
Martin Cox, Chief Commercial Officer, Paratus Group
Construction is already underway for the second phase of the corridor, which will extend connectivity from Bulawayo to Livingstone, Zambia. This extension is scheduled for commissioning in September 2026. The expansion represents a strategic move to bypass older, more congested terrestrial routes, providing a faster and more reliable path for data traffic moving between the southern African interior and international submarine cable landing stations.
The expanded network is expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s data center capabilities, particularly as the government pursues plans for energy-intensive, AI-oriented computing facilities, including a previously announced 100 MW solar-powered industrial park. By increasing the available bandwidth, the project aims to lower the barrier to entry for local enterprises and cloud service providers who require high-speed, low-latency connections to compete in the regional market. As these infrastructure projects mature, the focus for regulators and stakeholders remains on maintaining network uptime and ensuring that the increased capacity translates into improved service delivery for end-users across the region.
Find more reporting in our News section.