The Ministry of Technology and Science, in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), has launched a new communication tower in Kalunkumya village, Mpongwe District. The initiative aims to expand mobile network coverage and digital service access for rural communities.

The newly installed tower will provide 2G, 3G, and 4G network access to users of MTN, Airtel, and Zamtel, reaching over 10,000 people within a 10-kilometer radius. This development is expected to significantly improve mobile communication, enhance emergency response capabilities, and foster economic growth by supporting mobile banking, e-payments, and digital financial inclusion.

This rollout is part of the government’s broader 51-Tower Project, a strategic initiative to close Zambia’s digital divide. By 2025, the government plans to construct 80 new towers across the country, targeting underserved rural areas to improve access to vital digital services.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, underlined the importance of the project, particularly in regions like Mpongwe, which plays a key role in Zambia’s agricultural output.

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“We are not only connecting people, but also their aspirations, knowledge, and future opportunities. Mpongwe is a strategic agricultural zone and a significant contributor to our national food basket. Connectivity in this area will support productivity in agriculture through access to information, market platforms, and digital extension services. It will also increase transparency and efficiency in programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme and the social cash transfer,” said Mutati.

ZICTA Director General, Collins Mbulo, added, “We are investing in a sustainable ecosystem of digital inclusion, one that also addresses the need for devices, digital literacy, and online safety. We are working closely with the Ministry of Education to support platforms such as the digital curriculum initiative, and we continue to champion safe and responsible digital citizenship, especially among children and youth.”

The Kalunkumya tower marks another step forward in Zambia’s ambition to ensure inclusive digital access, especially in remote areas. By combining infrastructure development with digital skills and content initiatives, the government aims to empower rural communities and drive long-term socio-economic transformation.

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