The arrival of Starlink in Zimbabwe has brought a wave of excitement and hope for improved internet connectivity, but the story behind its launch is a tangled web of political intrigue and controversy. Starlink, the satellite internet network developed by SpaceX, is now available in Zimbabwe, offering customers unlimited internet access for a monthly fee of US$50, with a standard kit priced at US$350. The mini kit is available for US$200 with a monthly fee of US$30 .
The news comes as a surprise, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa had initially granted exclusive rights to Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC Communications to partner with SpaceX in bringing Starlink to Zimbabwe. The decision to bypass Chivayo and offer direct sales to customers has been met with widespread speculation and whispers of political maneuvering. Chivhayo, a known benefactor of ZANU PF and a figure embroiled in several corruption scandals, had been poised to profit handsomely from the Starlink deal.
Reports suggested that Zimbabweans were initially expected to pay US$650 for the Starlink kit, double its retail price, under Chivhayo’s control. This sparked public outcry, with many fearing that Chivhayo would exploit the situation for personal gain, much like his alleged dealings with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) where he received over US$100 million for election materials . Chivhayo’s recent spending spree, buying luxury cars for ZANU PF supporters and singers, further fuelled public anger and raised.