Zambia Launches National Public Free WiFi to Boost Digital Inclusion
Zambia's government launches ZamFree WiFi, providing free internet at key public hubs to boost digital inclusion, enhance service access, and empower citizens economically and socially.
The Zambian government has officially launched National Public Free WiFi initiative aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens across the country.
It is my great honour and privilege to officially launch Zambia’s first public Wi-Fi initiative, targeting key public spaces such as markets, bus stations, borders, airports, schools, and hospitals.
We celebrate our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering our people, particularly our marketeers and travelers, who form the backbone of our local economy. For the marketeers, this initiative provides access to online marketplaces, financial services, and tools to grow their businesses. For travelers, it ensures seamless communication and access to information that enhances their journeys and livelihoods.
– Hon Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science
This launch is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete step towards implementing the local government digital strategy, which is designed to bring innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity to our local administration.
– Hon Gary Nkombo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development
The Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) underscores the importance of economic transformation and job creation, targeting 80% internet penetration by 2026.
To achieve this, the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has prioritized digital inclusion as a cornerstone, striving to connect and empower 80% of Zambians with digital access and literacy, while enabling 20% of citizens to actively participate in the digital economy by the same year.
– Ms Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU)
Today marks a significant step forward in our journey toward digital inclusion and enhancing access to essential government services for all Zambians.
With this joint launch, we are providing free limited internet to the public to access over 320 government services from various government institutions through the Government Service Bus (Zamportal). This will now be done right from your smartphone or device, without needing to travel to a government office. This serves your time for other productivity.– Mr Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator, SMART Zambia
Mr Chinyama further underscored the importance of the Government Service Bus (GSB) as a source of non-tax revenue for the government adding that since its implementation from 2019 to date, a total amount of 5.8 billion Kwacha (ZMW5,793,623,734.34) and 24.9 million United States Dollar (USD 24,984,290.53) have been collected through the Zamportal.
