FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
DECEMBER 19, 2025
Government Commends Airtel’s Investment in Nationwide Network Upgrades
The upgrades form part of ongoing efforts to improve national connectivity and strengthen Zambia’s digital infrastructure.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Government has commended Airtel Zambia for its continued investment in network infrastructure aimed at improving quality of service, expanding coverage, and strengthening service reliability.
The commendation followed inspections conducted by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, at the Nyumba Yanga Tower and the Chalala (Shantumbu) site in Lusaka. The inspections formed part of government’s ongoing engagement with mobile network operators to address public concerns around network reliability and service performance.
Speaking during the engagement, the Minister acknowledged that feedback from members of the public had informed government’s discussions with Airtel and other operators.
“Many Zambians have raised concerns about dropped calls and quality of service. We engaged Airtel on these issues, and today we are seeing that commitment translated into action,” the Minister said.
Hon. Mutati welcomed Airtel’s US$107 million investment towards the upgrade and rollout of over 400 network sites, describing it as a significant step towards improving service quality and expanding connectivity.
“This investment will not only improve quality of service but will also connect more people and enable broader participation in the digital economy,” he said.
The minister further highlighted government measures taken to fast-track telecom infrastructure deployment, including the removal of lengthy environmental approval requirements that previously delayed tower construction.
“Government has taken a deliberate decision to fast-track telecom infrastructure development. We do not want investment capital sitting idle; we want it deployed on the ground to deliver services to our people.”
Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday reaffirmed the company’s commitment to national development through sustained investment in network quality and resilience.
“We are investing to improve quality of service, expand coverage, and strengthen the resilience of our sites. We have listened to our customers, and by the end of March, all sites under this programme will be fully upgraded and operational,” said Mr Baday.
He also acknowledged the role of government leadership, as well as Airtel’s partners, vendors, and tower companies, in supporting the timely delivery of the rollout.
The Nyumba Yanga tower has recently been upgraded with a solar-backed power system, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid and enabling uninterrupted 24-hour network operations. The site currently serves more than 2,000 customers in the surrounding area, improving service reliability and supporting consistent connectivity for both residential and commercial users.
This upgrade forms part of Airtel Zambia’s broader network investment programme, which will see more than 400 sites upgraded and rolled out across the country as part of efforts to improve quality of service nationwide.
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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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