Zambia: government wants to launch digital centers to provide free Internet to the population
December 21st 2023
The Zambian government wants to accelerate the adoption of the Internet as part of its digital transformation ambitions. Last June, the executive awarded an operating license to Starlink, which launched its satellite Internet services in the country in November.
The Zambian government plans to establish community digital transformation centers across the country to provide people with access to free internet, among other things. The said centers will be constructed by Smart Zambia Institute which will use the infrastructure of the Zambia Postal Services Corporation as well as other appropriate infrastructure.
“ These centers will not only provide internet access, but will also serve as training grounds for digital literacy and skills programs, including digital entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby creating employment and business opportunities. “empowerment ,” said Felix Mutati, Minister of Science and Technology.
This initiative is part of the Zambian government’s desire to accelerate the adoption of high-speed Internet in a context of accelerated digital transformation. Last June, the executive awarded an operating license to the American company Starlink, which launched its satellite Internet services in the country in November. Lusaka also plans to launch a smartphone assembly plant in the country by June 2024 to reduce the cost of these devices and facilitate digital inclusion.
Remember that Zambia has 11.1 million active Internet subscribers for a penetration rate of 56.7%, according to the latest statistics from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). However, the actual numbers are expected to be lower, given that some people have multiple SIM cards. Data platform DataReportal says Zambia had 4.30 million internet users at the start of 2023, or 21.2% of the population.
Source: Agence Ecofin Back