According to official data from the Zambia […]

According to official data from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), the total number of active mobile network subscribers increased by 10.6% from 24.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 to 27.1 million subscriptions in the second quarter of 2026.

Further, the increase has led to points in the mobile penetration rate shifting upwards, and specifically, the mobile cellular penetration rate increased from 119.1 per 100 individuals to 128.0 per 100 individuals.

 Additionally, the increase in mobile network subscriptions reflects continued digital transformation, expanding telecommunications infrastructure, stronger uptake of mobile financial services, and intensified competition in Zambia’s telecommunications sector.

 Tech expert John Tshinseki has questioned whether the statistics in the report are reflecting a real picture on the ground, considering that most of the areas are experiencing serious network challenges.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Tshinseki noted that even though the statistics might not be reflecting the real issue on the ground, the growth reported gives a good picture of how the country is progressing in terms of growth and gives investors confidence in investing in Zambia.

“The increase in the number of network subscribers is a positive progress that strengthens investor confidence because investors normally want to invest in countries where connectivity is not a big issue for them to be able to communicate and make orders for their businesses,” said Tshinseki.

 He added that the improvement in the number of subscribers should also be increased in rural areas, which have less connectivity.

“We need to grow on top of this growth by making sure that the connectivity is taken to places in rural areas because investors are still finding it difficult to invest and build modern infrastructure in rural setups due to poor connectivity,” said Tshinseki.

He mentioned that as long as the issue of citizens having issues in rural areas having challenges with connectivity is not addressed, the areas will remain underdeveloped.

 “For us now to achieve this connectivity development issue in rural areas, we have to ensure that there is an equal distribution in terms of covering for each and every area, which calls for deliberate measures in setting up network towers, as it will attract more investment in rural areas,” said Tshinseki.

Article by Justine Phiri