FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MARCH 11, 2026
Airtel Zambia Expands Network to Underserved Communities
Nine New Tower Sites Launched Under US$107 Million National Expansion Programme
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Airtel Zambia has reached a major milestone in its mission to achieve nationwide connectivity with the activation of nine new high-tech tower sites in areas that previously had no Airtel network coverage.
The activation of these sites forms part of the company’s landmark $107m network expansion programme, which remains firmly on track for the rollout of 406 new sites by the end of March 2026. The deployment represents a key part of Airtel Zambia’s network expansion programme — the largest infrastructure investment in the company’s history — aimed at enhancing coverage and capacity across the country.
More than infrastructure, the new sites represent meaningful access to opportunity. Strategically located across rural communities, growth centres and learning institutions, the towers are delivering reliable voice and high-speed data services to thousands of previously underserved citizens.
For residents of Shanyemba in Luapula Province or pupils at Itamina Primary School in Kasama, connectivity is transformative. Students can now access digital learning resources, farmers can monitor market prices in real time, entrepreneurs can expand their businesses, and families can communicate without travelling long distances in search of a signal.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury – it is essential to participation in today’s economy,” said Hussam Baday, Managing Director of Airtel Zambia. “By expanding our network into these communities, we are enabling inclusion in Zambia’s digital future. Whether it is a teacher in Chipata, a trader in Serenje or a small business owner in Lusaka West, our goal is simple: empower every Zambian to stay connected.”
The newly activated sites are located in Shanyemba, Nchelenge (Luapula Province), Kashitu, Masaiti (Copperbelt Province), Kamphinde Community School, Chipata (Eastern Province), Ngombe Ilede School, Lusaka (Lusaka Province), Lusaka Pensulo Substation, Serenje (Central Province), Itamina Primary School, Kasama (Northern Province), Monze ZCA, Monze (Southern Province), Lusaka West – Apollo, Chilanga (Lusaka Province) and Madzimoyo, Chipata (Eastern Province).
These locations were selected to maximise social and economic impact while strengthening Airtel’s national network footprint.
Recognising ongoing national energy challenges, Airtel Zambia has deployed advanced hybrid power systems to ensure uninterrupted service.
Each site integrates grid power where available and solar energy systems for sustainable daytime operation, with high-performance lithium-ion battery backups for extended outages and high-efficiency standby generators for prolonged power disruptions.
This layered energy ecosystem ensures network reliability even amid grid instability, allowing customers in newly connected areas to experience the same quality of service as those in urban centres.
With national coverage currently at 92 percent, Airtel Zambia is accelerating efforts to close the remaining gap. The nine newly activated sites mark the first wave of a broader rollout of 406 sites to be installed this year.
Beyond improving connectivity, the expansion programme is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic activity during both construction and operational phases.
Through sustained investment and innovation, Airtel Zambia continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.
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About Airtel Zambia
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider with a presence in 14 countries across Africa. Airtel Africa serves more than 150 million customers through an extensive portfolio of mobile voice, data, digital and financial services.
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