Zambia: 10 million more smartphones to facilitate digital access
November 9th 2026
Zambian authorities aim to expand internet access as part of their digital transformation efforts. This objective relies on several factors, beyond simply extending telecommunications infrastructure.
Zambia aims to provide 10 million more smartphones to its citizens over the next five years. This goal goes hand in hand with its objective of extending broadband access to 80% of the population over the same period. Authorities intend to accelerate internet adoption and promote wider use of digital services in the country.
The objective was mentioned on Thursday, November 5, by Felix C. Mutati (pictured, right), Minister of Technology and Science, during a meeting with officials from the telecom operator Airtel Zambia. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the authorities in achieving this goal.
The smartphone, an essential complement to broadband infrastructure
For Mr. Mutati, the smartphone is a tool for digital inclusion and participation in the economy. It allows access to online public services, payment platforms, and information useful for economic activities. The minister cites, among other things, the payment of road taxes through government digital platforms.
The need to expand access to these devices is highlighted by figures presented by Hussam Baday, Managing Director of Airtel Zambia. According to the latest report from the Zambian Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), the country has approximately 27 million telecom connections, 12.4 million of which are linked to smartphones. Smartphones thus represent nearly 45% of all recorded connections. At the current rate of growth, estimated at three percentage points per year, this proportion could reach 60% in five years, 20 points short of the 80% target set by the authorities.
To accelerate widespread adoption of smartphones, Hussam Baday (pictured left) advocates making entry-level smartphones more affordable, particularly through tax incentives. He also proposes developing financing mechanisms through mobile operators and programs specifically designed for low-income households, farmers, and rural women. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations and other institutions are also among the proposed solutions.
Beyond smartphones, other obstacles to broadband adoption
Access to devices, however, does not guarantee effective internet use. Network coverage and quality remain crucial. This issue takes on particular importance given that Zambian authorities are considering prioritizing 4G and 5G technologies over older generations like 2G. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 4G will cover 91% of the population by 2025, compared to 27.4% for 5G.
The cost of connectivity is another major obstacle to broadband adoption. Data from the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index highlights the challenges of affordability for mobile data in Zambia, particularly for the poorest households. On a scale of 100, the country scores 31.2 for the affordability of a 1GB data package among the poorest 40%, compared to 55.7 for the population as a whole. For a 5GB package, the scores are 26.9 and 51.4, respectively.
Other potential factors include the level of digital skills of the population, the level of literacy, the availability of local digital content and services, the relevance of online public services, awareness of Internet uses, trust in digital services, protection of personal data, cybersecurity, and disparities in access between urban and rural areas.
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