Kyleview Community Network – Masvingo District, Zimbabwe

PROJECT OBJECTIVE 

This project aims to expand community networks across Zimbabwe by building on the success of the Murambinda Community Network Pilot. With preliminary licensing from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and support from the Ministry of ICT, a new community network is being established in Kyleview, Masvingo District. 

The primary objective is to deliver equitable access to affordable internet connectivity through last-mile solutions in underserved areas. However, the project goes beyond infrastructure deployment—it seeks to create a sustainable, community-driven model. This includes fostering community engagement by developing local information ecosystems. Community members will receive training to become content creators and publishers on the network’s platform, contributing directly to its relevance and vitality. 

In addition, the Kyleview Community Network, supported by the Zimbabwe Community Network Initiatives (ZCNI), will serve as a hands-on internship site and a hub for experiential learning. It will provide practical training for other emerging community networks across Zimbabwe that are currently licensed but awaiting financial support from the Universal Service Fund.  

PROJECT IMPORTANCE 

The project is a critical step in bridging the digital divide in Zimbabwe by providing affordable and inclusive connectivity to underserved rural areas. The Kyleview Community Network builds on the proven success of the Murambinda Pilot and represents a replicable last-mile solution aimed at expanding access to vital digital services. 

What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on long-term sustainability and local ownership. By establishing community-led information ecosystems, the project empowers residents to actively participate as content creators and platform contributors. This includes training for e-commerce, education, and information-sharing, enabling community members to both consume and generate digital content.  

To ensure financial viability, the project introduces a subscription-based model that invites NGOs, SMEs, educators, bloggers, and other partners to use the network’s infrastructure and digital platform. Through services like web content creation, e-learning, e-health, and online commerce, the platform becomes a catalyst for digital and economic growth, while generating revenue to support its ongoing operation. 

Strategically, Kyleview serves as a real-world demonstration site. With regulatory and governmental support, and mentorship from ZCNI, the project offers practical, experiential learning for five other licensed community networks awaiting Universal Service Fund support. It acts as a blueprint for national replication, making it not just a solution for Kyleview but a foundational model for the broader rollout of sustainable community networks across Zimbabwe.   

MEDIA AND PUBLICATION 

Internet Society blog post: Blog From Cyber Café to Digital Revolution: The Story of Joseph Bishi and Murambinda’s Community Network