Zambia’s 51-Tower Project Brings Mobile Coverage to Kalunkumya Village

The Ministry of Technology and Science , in partnership with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA),  has commissioned a new communication tower in Kalunkumya village, located in Mpongwe District, to enhance mobile network access and digital services in the area.

The ministry highlighted that the new infrastructure is expected to significantly improve local communication, support economic growth, and promote access to digital financial platforms such as mobile banking and e-payments.

The newly launched tower will allow mobile phone network access to MTN, Airtel, and Zamtel on 2G, 3G, and 4G platforms. It is expected to service over 10,000 people within a 10-kilometre radius, bringing a significant change to communication, economic activity, and emergency response in the area.

This is part of the government’s 51-Tower Project aimed at bridging the country’s digital divide. The broader goal for 2025 includes the construction of 80 new towers nationwide, further connecting underserved rural communities to essential digital services.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, emphasized the strategic importance of the region and the broader impact of the initiative.

“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”
— Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science

ZICTA Director General, Collins Mbulo, noted that the tower is part of a wider effort to build an inclusive digital landscape that goes beyond infrastructure.

“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,”

— Collins Mbulo, Director General, ZICTA

The newly launched tower will bring mobile connectivity to thousands in the surrounding area, contributing to Zambia’s goal of bridging the digital divide, especially in underserved rural communities.