Harare,  (New Ziana)- The Government has intensified efforts to complete the long-delayed Zim-Digital project next year, to modernize the country’s broadcasting and communication infrastructure.

During a 2026 pre-budget meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said completion of the project will go a long way in reducing Zimbabwe’s dependence on satellite systems which do not come cheap.

The project, which forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader digitalisation strategy, aims to digitize content, upgrade studios, build digital infrastructure, and install transmitters nationwide.

Dr Muswere said completion of the initiative will meet international broadcasting requirements and significantly reduce the country’s dependence on expensive satellite systems.

He said on top of the Ministry’s 2026 priorities was completion of the Zim-Digital project which includes digitisation of content,  capacitation of content producers, modernisation of studios, and installation of transmitters.

“This is an international requirement. Completing the long overdue project would reduce reliance on the satellite system, which is costly to the nation,” he said.

However, funding constraints remain a major challenge as the Ministry has submitted a budget bid of ZWG 2.8 billion, for 2026 but only ZWG 381.6 million has been provisionally allocated, leaving a financing gap of 86 percent of the required resources.

But Dr Muswere said despite the shortfall, the Ministry maintains that digitalisation is a top priority, viewing it as a critical step toward creating an informed, connected, and participatory society.

In line with the country’s devolution framework, the Government also plans to establish Content Hubs in all ten provinces to support local content creation and stimulate growth in the creative film industry.

These hubs will serve as production and training centres for content producers, helping to build capacity across the media and arts sectors.

New Ziana