IMC Communications, the entity that has secured the exclusive distribution rights for Starlink’s services in Zimbabwe, has recently announced the appointment of seasoned technology executive Denny Marandure as its Managing Director (MD). This strategic move comes as the company gears up for the launch of its Starlink kit distribution operations, which are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of the current year.
Denny Marandure is a well-regarded figure in the African tech industry, having held the position of CEO at Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ operations in Tanzania and Zanzibar since 2021. Prior to this role, he served as the CEO of ZOL, which is now known as Liquid Home, from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure at ZOL, Marandure was instrumental in the deployment of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services across Zimbabwe, an experience that IMC Communications values highly as it prepares to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services to the Zimbabwean market.
In a statement, IMC Communications lauded Marandure’s appointment, citing his enthusiasm, substantial industry value, distinctive leadership capabilities, and dynamic approach to the internet service sector. The company expressed confidence that under Marandure’s guidance, Starlink would significantly disrupt the Internet Service Provider (ISP) landscape in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, IMC anticipates that Starlink will play a crucial role in realizing the national development goals set forth in Vision 2030, as articulated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. IMC’s plan is to initiate the sale of Starlink kits in Zimbabwe by the third quarter of 2024.
IMC Communications came into the limelight following an announcement on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Twitter account in May, which declared IMC as the “sole and exclusive local partner” for Starlink in Zimbabwe. This announcement was unexpected, as IMC, linked to the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, was previously not known within the technology sector. Adding to the intrigue, another local ISP, Dandemutande, had disclosed in December of the previous year that it had secured an agreement with Starlink to resell their services in Zimbabwe once SpaceX’s company received the necessary licensing, raising questions about IMC’s sudden emergence in the deal.
Starlink, a SpaceX venture, typically collaborates with distributors to extend its reach to business customers in various markets. Examples of such partnerships include Paratus, which handles Starlink kit distribution in Zambia and Mozambique, and Karibu Connect, the official Starlink reseller in Kenya. The competition in the satellite connectivity domain is intensifying, with Liquid Intelligent Technologies announcing in May a partnership with Eutelsat Group to distribute Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across Africa. This offering is set to compete directly with Starlink, particularly in the African business customer segment.
