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Tatenda Sibanda, Correspondent

IN an era where digital connectivity is increasingly synonymous with power and progress, the concept of digital sovereignty has emerged as a crucial concern for nations worldwide. Zimbabwe, in particular, finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the imperative to harness the benefits of digital innovation while safeguarding its autonomy against external influences.

However, amid this pursuit, the looming presence of Starlink, the satellite internet constellation project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, poses significant challenges to Zimbabwe’s quest for digital sovereignty.

Starlink, with its ambitious goal of providing high-speed internet access to remote and under-served areas globally, appears as a beacon of technological advancement. Its promise of ubiquitous connectivity holds the potential to bridge the digital divide in Zimbabwe, empowering communities, bolstering economic development and enhancing educational opportunities.

However, beneath the veneer of benevolence lies a complex web of geopolitical implications, raising concerns about Zimbabwe’s digital independence and ability to enhance national security.

At the heart of the matter lies the issue of control. By embracing Starlink’s services, Zimbabwe risks relinquishing control over its digital infrastructure to a foreign entity. Zimbabwe has made it clear that for Starlink to operate in the country, it should follow due procedure. Potraz categorically stated that it never said no to Starlink, contrary to what public perception is being influenced.

Potraz is merely being pro-active to ensure that all New Generation Low Earth Obit satellite networks are regulated by Government in the interests of data and national security.

This is not peculiar to Zimbabwe but the world over including in the United States. Within Africa, the issue of regulating Starlink is being dealt with differently depending on the country’s national priorities. Within Sadc, countries like Mozambique, Zambia and Eswatini have licensed Starlink while Botswana and South Africa have turned down its applications. These countries have their reasons in line with their national security interests.

It goes without saying that a holistic and careful approach has to be considered when dealing with New Generation LEO.

Despite their lucrative opportunities in providing affordable and reliable internet service, they have the potential to threaten and disrupt global and national telecommunication ecosystems including policy frameworks, regulatory frameworks and national operator architecture.

In light of this, there is no point for pressure to be piled on the Zimbabwean Government and Potraz to allow free leeway to Starlink without being regulated. In an interesting turn of events, the US recently threatened to ban TikTok which is of Chinese origin, claiming the platform is harvesting data which could be used to manipulate upcoming US elections.

It’s a clear indication of how digital sovereignty is crucial in managing national interests and growing threats emanating from the cyber space.

One would wonder why there is deliberate lack of will by Starlink to comply with Potraz’s laid procedure. If the real intention is to enhance digital evolution, in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution, Starlink should just comply. Unless or otherwise there is a hidden agenda, then it calls for thorough inspection of Starlink by Zimbabwean authorities.

The consequences of dependence on imported network services are manifold, ranging from compromised data privacy and security to susceptibility to external interference. In an age where data is touted as the new oil, yielding immense power and influence, Zimbabwe must tread cautiously to safeguard its national interests.

Furthermore, the influx of foreign digital platforms threatens to undermine Zimbabwe’s indigenous technological ecosystem. By monopolising the digital landscape, external entities like Starlink stifle home-grown innovation and entrepreneurship, relegating Zimbabwe to a perpetual state of dependency. The importance of nurturing local talent and fostering indigenous technological solutions cannot be overstated in Zimbabwe’s journey towards sustainable development.

Moreover, the ramifications of digital colonisation extend beyond the realm of technology, permeating into the socio-economic fabric of the nation. As Zimbabwe grapples with the legacy of colonialism and strives for self-determination, the intrusion of foreign digital behemoths rekindles echoes of past exploitation. To truly break free from the shackles of neo-colonialism, Zimbabwe must assert its digital sovereignty and chart its own course towards a digitally inclusive future.

However, advocating for digital sovereignty does not imply isolationism or technological backwardness. On the contrary, Zimbabwe can leverage strategic partnerships and alliances to foster a thriving digital ecosystem while retaining autonomy over its digital infrastructure. By investing in home-grown innovation, promoting digital literacy, and enacting robust regulatory frameworks, Zimbabwe can carve out a unique space in the global digital landscape.

Conclusively, the need for Zimbabwe to embrace digital sovereignty has never been more pressing. As the nation navigates the complexities of the digital age, it must resist the allure of foreign influence and assert its autonomy in the digital sphere. By championing indigenous innovation and fostering a culture of digital self-reliance, Zimbabwe can harness the transformative power of technology to propel itself towards a brighter, more prosperous future. Let us seize this opportunity to shape our digital destiny and safeguard our sovereignty for generations to come.