Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe announce today that the first phase of their landmark cross-border fiber project is now live and carrying traffic. This is a major development in the establishment of the new high-capacity digital corridor that will connect Zimbabwe to Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and the wider Paratus network across Southern Africa.
The new route is the first major milestone of the public-private partnership PPP agreement signed in June 2025 between Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe to jointly invest in and develop high-capacity long-distance fiber infrastructure across Zimbabwe. As equal investment partners, Powertel contributes its extensive national fiber backbone while Paratus brings its continental network reach, world-class technology, technical expertise and proven experience in building resilient telecommunications infrastructure across Africa.
The operational section between Plumtree and Bulawayo represents the first active Paratus-connected fiber route into Zimbabwe and is an important step in building deeper regional integration. Beyond being another fiber route, this development enables world-class interconnection by linking Zimbabwe into Africas quality network while strengthening cross-border connectivity, enhancing digital inclusion and supporting long-term economic growth across the region.
