IHS Towers and Government Drive $100M Investment in Zambian Telecoms
The Minister noted that Zambia’s ICT sector has become the fastest-growing contributor to GDP, surpassing traditional sectors like mining and agriculture, contributing 17.4 percent in the previous year.
The Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia officially launched the Kitwe KVTC Telecommunications (KVTC) Tower on 15 February 2025, marking a major step in expanding the country’s digital connectivity. The event was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati, MP, who praised IHS Towers for its continued investment in Zambia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
At the ceremony, IHS Towers CEO, Mr. Phiri, highlighted that the company operates over 87,000 towers globally, including more than 2,000 in Zambia, and emphasized the firm’s commitment to supporting government initiatives and delivering quality services to citizens. The company also undertakes Corporate Social Responsibility projects, such as constructing schools and clinics, refurbishing public institutions, and providing generators to ensure uninterrupted network service.
Technical details were provided by IHS Director of Operations, Engineer Otun, who explained that the towers use an integrated energy system combining generators, lithium batteries, and solar power. Generators charge the batteries for two hours, powering the tower for about eight hours, with solar energy as backup. Once connected to the national electricity grid, reliance on generators will be eliminated, reducing operational costs.
In partnership with Airtel Zambia, IHS has built 225 towers since last year and aims to complete an additional 75 towers by 31 March 2025, reaching a nationwide total of 300 towers. Minister Mutati emphasized that the government plays a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for investment, citing policies such as debt restructuring and zero-rated taxes on telecommunications equipment imports, which have encouraged a USD 100 million investment in tower construction.
The Minister noted that Zambia’s ICT sector has become the fastest-growing contributor to GDP, surpassing traditional sectors like mining and agriculture, contributing 17.4 percent in the previous year. He stressed that expanded telecommunications infrastructure will improve network quality, reduce dropped calls, and support digital inclusion, benefiting farmers, marketeers, and entrepreneurs, as well as facilitating government programs such as FISP, Cash for Work, and the Social Cash Transfer Scheme.
Minister Mutati concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to responsive and reliable communication systems, emphasizing that improved connectivity will be critical to Zambia’s economic growth and social development.
