Zambian Telecommunications sector. The players & who is who

The Zambian telecommunications sector has undergone significant development in recent years, with the number of base stations increasing, mobile data usage soaring, and the fixed internet landscape evolving. This article will explore the key players in the sector, as well as the trends that have shaped the industry over the past decade.

Infrastructure Development

The number of base stations in Zambia stands at 11,987 in 2022 with a steady uptick from 10,574 in 2020 This translates to an internet penetration rate of 101.2%, a vast improvement from 73.2% in 2012.

In November of 2022, MTN Zambia launched a 5G network that covers 65% of Zambia's Metropolitan and urban areas as well as 15% of the Zambian population. In areas that include Lusaka, Kiwe, and Ndola, MTN plans to have 100% 5G coverage by mid-2023.