Zambia Commits to Faster Network Expansion, Cybersecurity and Digital Inclusion

Zambia’s telecommunications industry marked an important milestone as the Global System for Mobile Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) held its End-of-Year Ceremony on 5 December 2025 at Zamtel Park. Established by MTN Zambia, Airtel Networks Zambia and Zamtel, GSMAZ continues to serve as a unified platform for advancing the development of the nation’s telecom sector. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements, strengthen partnerships, and signal a renewed commitment to accelerating Zambia’s digital transformation. The event also marked a leadership transition, as outgoing Chairperson and Zamtel CEO, Mr. Jason Mwanza, handed over responsibilities to the incoming Chair, MTN CEO Mr. Abbad Reda.

Representing the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati, Mr. Nkula Mwanza delivered remarks highlighting the sector’s central role in Zambia’s development agenda. He emphasized that telecommunications is the backbone of every digital service the country seeks to scale—from e-government systems and digital payments to innovation hubs, cybersecurity, and the emerging digital skills ecosystem. The Ministry acknowledged GSMAZ’s long-standing leadership in shaping policy, encouraging industry collaboration and supporting national inclusion efforts.

Government also praised industry initiatives such as the Fraud Awareness Campaign, which has helped protect citizens from mobile-money scams and strengthened public trust in digital services. With Zambia accelerating investments in broadband expansion, digital identity systems, and cybersecurity, the Ministry expressed confidence that GSMAZ’s new leadership will continue guiding the sector through a period of rapid growth and innovation. The government reiterated its commitment to working with industry players to expand broadband connectivity, enhance consumer protection, promote digital skills, and build an enabling environment for investment.

Outgoing GSMAZ Chair, Mr. Jason Mwanza, highlighted a year defined by unity and collaborative progress. He noted significant engagements with key institutions such as ZICTA, the Data Protection Commission, the Zambia Revenue Authority and the Presidential Delivery Unit. Mwanza celebrated policy breakthroughs including the removal of ZEMA clearance requirements for tower installations—an achievement that will accelerate nationwide network expansion. He also cited industry contributions to the 2026 National Budget, reforms aimed at reducing smartphone costs and several collaborative milestones, including the launch of the Telecommunications Industry Report with PwC and partnerships with UNICEF on child online safety.

Airtel CEO Mr. Hussam Baday praised the association’s evolution under Mwanza’s leadership, highlighting how GSMAZ has become more visible and influential across multiple sectors. He called for enhanced public communication through stronger social media presence and emphasized the importance of industry unity in addressing network resilience challenges, rising operational costs and the need to increase broadband penetration. Baday reinforced that telecommunications remains at the heart of Zambia’s digital transformation and urged continuous advocacy to ensure the industry’s contributions are clearly recognized.

Incoming Chair, MTN Zambia CEO Mr. Abbad Reda, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to lead with collaboration and transparency. Looking ahead, he outlined strategic priorities including strengthening ecosystem partnerships, championing innovation, supporting regulatory reforms, improving network resilience and promoting fair competition. He reaffirmed GSMAZ’s commitment to advancing Zambia’s digital development goals and expanding digital opportunities for citizens and businesses throughout 2026.

The ceremony concluded as a celebration of partnership and collective purpose, with a shared vision for a digitally empowered Zambia. Industry leaders agreed that collaboration remains the sector’s greatest asset as the country builds a modern, inclusive digital economy where every citizen can benefit from technology-enabled growth.