Zambia’s government and telecommunications industry have praised outgoing minister of technology and science Felix Mutati for overseeing one of the country’s most significant periods of digital infrastructure growth, marked by rapid fibre expansion, wider connectivity and the rollout of 5G services.
Mutati officially exits office following the dissolution of Parliament ahead of Zambia’s general elections scheduled for August.
During his tenure, Zambia recorded major advances in its information and communications technology sector, including the expansion of fibre optic infrastructure from 15 000km to more than 42 000km and the upgrading of over 893 telecoms sites to 5G.
The Ministry of Technology and Science and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association Zambia (GSMAZ) held separate farewell events over the weekend to mark the end of Mutati’s term.
GSMAZ, whose members include Airtel, MTN, Zamtel and Zedmobile, said Mutati had played a key role in advancing Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.
Abbad Reda, GSMAZ chairperson and chief executive officer of MTN Zambia, said collaboration between government and the telecoms sector had strengthened digital inclusion and innovation across the country.
“The relationship between government and GSMAZ has been characterised by constructive engagement, alignment of priorities and a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and innovation,” Reda said.
“Through ongoing collaboration, both public and private sector efforts have contributed to strengthening Zambia’s digital ecosystem and expanding opportunities for citizens and businesses alike.”
On behalf of MTN, Reda also commended Mutati for his “exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to advancing the ICT sector in Zambia”.
Nkula Mwanza, director of digital communications at the Ministry of Technology and Science, highlighted several milestones achieved under Mutati’s leadership.
These include expanded rural connectivity, the deployment of additional 4G infrastructure, implementation of 5G technology and enhanced regional connectivity linking Zambia with neighbouring countries.
Mwanza said the minister had helped position Zambia as an emerging digital economy and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuing the country’s digital transformation drive.
Speaking during his farewell event organised by the ministry, Mutati thanked ministry staff for supporting the country’s technology and innovation agenda.
“I am incredibly proud of how your department embraced thinking differently, accelerated project timelines, and boldly advanced our national nuclear and science initiatives,” he said.
Mutati’s departure comes at a time when African governments are increasingly prioritising digital infrastructure investment as part of broader economic transformation and connectivity strategies.
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