Government Uses US$13.6m in Licence Fees to Boost Broadcasting, Digital Rollout
Zimbabwe has channelled US$13.6 million collected from radio licensing fees in the first half of 2025 into expanding broadcasting infrastructure and improving signal reach across the country.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Soda Zhemu, who told the National Assembly on Wednesday that the funds are already delivering measurable improvements in national connectivity.
According to the Minister, radio reception coverage has now increased to 81 percent nationwide.
Also Read: High Fees No More: ZBC Announces Major Reductions in Radio and TV Licences
Mixed Currency Revenue Collection
Minister Zhemu explained that of the total revenue collected, 20 percent was in United States dollars while 80 percent was in local currency, converted at the prevailing interbank rate.
He said the funds collected through Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence fees are being reinvested into strengthening public broadcasting systems.
Infrastructure Upgrade and Digital Transition
According to The Herald, the money is being used to expand terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure through Transmedia, while also supporting the ongoing Zim-Digital Phase 2 programme aimed at improving signal quality and reach.
Additional support is going towards the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) community stations and ZIFTESA provincial content hubs.
The Minister said these initiatives are helping address past revenue challenges linked to low compliance levels.
Equipment, Production and Content Development
Part of the funding has been used to procure high-definition cameras, transmitters, and editing equipment to improve both visual and audio production quality.
Mobile broadcasting units have also been introduced to enhance live coverage of major events, including State functions and disaster reporting.
He added that the investment is also supporting the establishment of 10 new film hubs, alongside training programmes aimed at improving production standards and promoting local content.
Push for Local Content and Wider Access
Parliament has emphasised the need to prioritise Zimbabwean-produced content over imported programming, as the country leverages a mobile penetration rate of about 97 percent to expand rural access.
Minister Zhemu said Zimbabwe currently has 177 radio transmitters undergoing transition from analogue to digital systems, while an additional 36 television transmitters are also being upgraded.
However, he noted that the current US$13.6 million allocation is not sufficient to complete all 177 radio transmitter upgrades.
Coverage Targets Set for 2030
Government aims to achieve 85 percent radio coverage by the end of 2026, with a long-term target of universal nationwide coverage by 2030, supported by continued revenue from licence fees.
The post Government Channels US$13.6m in ZBC Radio Licence Fees into Broadcasting, Digital Rollout appeared first on iHarare News.
