ZBC’s US$13 Million Licence Revenue Windfall Not Enough – Soda

The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, has said that the more than US$13 million raised by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) from motor vehicle radio licences in the first half of 2025 is not enough to complete all 177 radio transmitters across the country.

Responding to questions from legislators during Wednesday’s Question and Answer session in the National Assembly, Soda said the funds collected so far have been channelled towards upgrading broadcasting infrastructure and supporting other ongoing projects.

“The US$13.6 million that I have just referred to is not enough to complete all 177 radio transmitters,” said Minister Soda.

“Apart from radio transmitters, we are also transforming the 36 television transmitters, which are being worked on from analogue to digital transmission and also for the provision of set-top boxes.

“So, to say US$13.6 million was collected and does not seem to have shown its usefulness, that is not correct.”

Minister Soda said the goal is to achieve full nationwide radio coverage by 2030, using funds collected through radio licence fees.

“We intend that all the areas – as we speak, our radio reception is at 81 per cent throughout the whole country. We do not doubt that some pockets still have poor transmission,” said Minister Soda.

“As we get to the end of 2026, the plan is to get to 85 per cent of coverage of the whole country and as we get to 2030, we promise that we will have covered 100 percent of the whole country through funds that are being collected as radio licences.”

More: The Herald

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