ZICTA Releases 2023 ICT Market Report: Global and Local Insights

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) released its 2023 Annual Market Report, shedding light on both global and local developments in the ICT sector.

Global Trends: The report highlighted significant global developments, including a 27 percent growth in mobile-broadband subscriptions over five years, surpassing the growth rate of mobile-cellular subscriptions by fourfold. Internet usage saw a steady rise, with an estimated 5.4 billion users worldwide by 2023. The report also noted a drop in the median price of mobile-broadband baskets and the continued transition from older-generation mobile networks to new ones. Zambia’s progress in embracing connectivity was reflected in its overall IDI score of 49.5.

Local Advances: Locally, Zambia saw a notable increase in valid electronic communication licenses, reaching 92 by the end of 2023. The introduction of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service marked a significant milestone. Additionally, the country witnessed a surge in mobile money subscriptions and transactions, with 12.9 million subscribers and a transaction value of ZMW 452.0 billion recorded by the year’s end. The launch of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy and National Digital Transformation Strategy underscored Zambia’s commitment to its digital agenda.

Moreover, collaborations such as the agreement between Angola and Zambia to strengthen ICT cooperation and advancements like the introduction of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology and Airtel Zambia’s 5G network launch further shaped the local ICT landscape.