Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — The Mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor David Coltart, has extended an invitation to billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink, proposing that the City of Bulawayo could serve as the ideal location for the establishment of a ground station in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This follows a public offer made by the Mayor via his social media platform.

In his post, Coltart emphasized Bulawayo’s geographical advantage and expressed the city’s willingness to facilitate Starlink’s presence in the region. He stated, “Please note @elonmusk and @Starlink that the @CityofBulawayo would be delighted to provide Starlink with land to establish a ground station in the SADC region. We are perfectly placed geographically for such a station.”

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, aims to provide high-speed internet across the globe, particularly in underserved and remote regions. A ground station in Bulawayo could significantly enhance internet connectivity in Zimbabwe and neighboring SADC countries, potentially fostering economic growth and digital inclusivity.

Mayor Coltart’s invitation aligns with efforts to position Bulawayo as a regional hub for technological and infrastructural development. Should Starlink accept the proposal, it could mark a significant milestone for the city and its push towards modernization and improved global connectivity.

As the world increasingly turns towards digital solutions for communication, education, and business, Bulawayo’s proposition could see the city playing a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in Southern Africa. There has been no official response from Elon Musk or Starlink yet, but the offer has sparked interest within the region.

This development would not only boost Bulawayo’s economy but also support Zimbabwe’s long-term vision of becoming a knowledge-driven society, with improved internet infrastructure being key to achieving this goal.