Harare, (New Ziana) –Despite operating in a challenging economic environment characterised by liquidity shortages and rising operational costs. National broadcasting signal carrier Transmedia Corporation recorded significant progress in expanding radio coverage and improving its financial performance during the 2025 financial year.
Speaking at the Transmedia Corporation (Pvt) Ltd annual review meeting in the capital on Wednesday, board chairman Lawrence Nkala said the company achieved notable milestones under its 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly in expanding radio and digital television coverage across the country.
Nkala said the operating environment during the year was supported by improved macroeconomic stability resulting from disciplined fiscal and monetary policies.
Inflationary pressures eased compared to previous years, while growth in the mining sector, exchange rate stability and improved electricity supply contributed to a more predictable business climate.
However, Nkala noted that businesses continued to grapple with limited access to liquidity and escalating input costs.
“Despite these challenges, the corporation maintained operational efficiency, enabling it to meet its obligations and continue delivering services to stakeholders,” he said, adding FM radio coverage increased from 77 percent in 2024 to 81 percent last year, although this fell short of its target of 85 percent due to funding constraints.
The expansion was achieved through the installation of high-power transmitters at Garawa for Ndau FM, Lyeja FM in Hwange, VeMuganga FM in Checheche and a gap-filler transmitter in Nembudziya.
Nkala explained that the Nembudziya installation became necessary after the Gokwe transmission site failed to adequately reach the area.
“The gap filler was therefore installed to provide coverage specifically to Nembudziya and its surrounding communities,” he said, adding digital television coverage remained unchanged at 38 percent due to funding limitations.
However, Nkala said the corporation’s dual-platform strategy, which combines Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite services, ensures nationwide access as the satellite platform covers the entire country.
While the installation of additional television transmitters was not completed during the year, Transmedia made significant progress in mobilising resources and procurement processes.
“A tender for 10 DTT sites was flighted at the end of the year with expectations of a signed contract in the first quarter of 2026,” Nkala said.
In line with the Devolution Agenda and the establishment of Village Business Units (VBUs), Transmedia prioritised extending communication services to rural and underserved communities.
Three community radio stations namely Garawa (Ndau FM), VeMuganga FM and Lyeja FM, expanded their transmission range from approximately 20 kilometres to more than 60 kilometres during the year, improving access to information, education and development opportunities for thousands of rural residents.
One of the corporation’s flagship projects was the installation of a fully solar-powered transmission site in Garawa, Chipinge, which not only enhanced radio broadcasting services in the area but also enabled mobile telecommunications services.
Before the project, which was implemented through partnerships with UNESCO and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) many residents relied on radio signals from neighbouring Mozambique.
On the financial front, Transmedia recorded an 11 percent increase in inflation-adjusted revenue to ZWG79.08 million.
The growth was driven by the onboarding of new television broadcasters, expanded network coverage for existing FM radio stations and increased demand for passive infrastructure rental space from mobile network operators under the Government’s infrastructure-sharing policy.
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 166 percent to ZWG14.1 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 18 percent.
Management attributed the strong performance to tighter cost-control measures, improved utilisation of productive assets and prudent working capital management.
Transmedia also reported improvements in corporate governance, with its board now fully constituted following appointments made in January and August 2024 and the addition of a legal expert in May 2025.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Government efforts to improve the ease of doing business and said it had implemented tariff reductions in line with guidance from the Office of the President and Cabinet, despite already charging rates lower than many regional counterparts.
Nkala said the corporation would continue engaging stakeholders, regulators and audiences to strengthen the broadcasting ecosystem and improve service delivery.
With expanded radio coverage, improving financial performance and continued investment in infrastructure and renewable energy solutions, Transmedia says it is well positioned to advance Zimbabwe’s digital inclusion agenda while contributing to national development goals.
New Ziana
