ICT sector players urged to support Grow Zambia Agenda
Breaking News Zambia
BusinessMinister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, has called on players in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to shift from competition to collaboration in order to expand the market and support the Grow Zambia Agenda. Speaking at the Grow Zambia Agenda…
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, has called on players in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to shift from competition to collaboration in order to expand the market and support the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Speaking at the Grow Zambia Agenda Breakfast hosted by Airtel Zambia, Mr Mutati said ICT remains a foundation for economic growth because it cuts across all sectors of the economy.
Mr Mutati stated that although competition has contributed to increased network coverage, investment and the introduction of 5G technology, the sector must now focus on working together to grow the economy.
“Let us not compete for market share as a mentality but let us grow the market which should be our mantra, not competing for a small market,” he said.
He commended Airtel for delivering 407 communication towers across the country last year, describing the achievement as the highest number of towers delivered in Zambia in a single year.
“Last year, Airtel delivered 407 towers across the country, the biggest ever number of towers delivered in this country,” he stated.
Mr Mutati also applauded Airtel for increasing its tax contribution to Government, saying such investments and contributions were important in supporting national development.
He pointed out that the ICT sector had the potential to lead the country’s five-year economic growth plan through increased connectivity, digital access and job creation.
Speaking at the same event, Airtel Zambia Managing Director, Hussan Baday, said smartphone affordability is critical to Zambia’s ambition of doubling the economy, as increased access to smartphones will accelerate digital participation and economic growth.
Mr Baday disclosed that smartphones were no longer a luxury but an economic necessity that would enable citizens to access digital services and improve productivity across key sectors.
He emphasised that Airtel Zambia was committed to supporting the Grow Zambia Agenda through increased investment in network infrastructure, rural connectivity and the expansion of 5G services.
“Airtel is currently providing a population coverage of 93 percent and targets to increase this to 96 percent within the next two years through rural network expansion,” he added.
Mr Baday further explained that the company also plans to increase the number of schools connected to its network from 300 to 500 by the end of the current financial year through its partnership with UNICEF.
Meanwhile, Airtel Zambia Legal and Regulatory Director, Suzyo Akatama, highlighted that the ICT sector connectivity is key to achieving the Grow Zambia Agenda targets through improved access to markets, mobile payments, tourism and digital government services.
Community Feedback