from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE number of active mobile cellular subscriptions in Zambia has grown to 23,2 million as at the end of 2024, representing a 9,5 percent increase from the previous year.
Internet subscriptions likewise grew by 7 percent to 13,5 million during the period.
The number of mobile cellular subscriptions is projected to grow to about 24,5 million by the end of 2025.
This is according to statistics released this past weekend by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), in its 2024 Annual Market Report.
There was also greater adoption of digital financial services with mobile money transaction volumes rising by 33 percent and transaction values growing by 8 percent.
ZICTA reported that although the affordability of information and communication technology (ICT) services was moderately impacted by rising operational costs due to increased load shedding, depreciation of the exchange rate and inflation, total revenue for mobile network operators (MNOs) grew by 21 percent, reaching ZK11,5 billion (US$403,8 million) in 2024.
“The report highlights some notable initiatives by the government aimed at expanding digital access,” said Hanford Chaaba, ZICTA Manager Corporate Communications.
Initiatives included the launch of public free Wi-Fi services in selected cities under the ZamFree Initiative and the introduction of Zambia’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, designed to foster safe AI technology adoption.
In addition, the partnership between the government and Google resulted in the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence at the University of Zambia, aimed at enhancing digital skills and innovation.
The country also witnessed a notable improvement in the cyber security posture with the Global Cybersecurity Index score rising to 92,6 percent, above the global average of 65,7 percent.
The Southern African country has a population of 21,7 million people.
– CAJ News