Zamtel CEO Jason Mwanza

The government-owned mobile operator Zamtel's network expansion efforts received a major boost this week when Huawei donated 25 communication towers to Zambia.

The gift fulfils the technology company's promise made last September during President Hakainde Hichilema's visit to China. 

Huawei also signed a co-operation agreement with Zambia's ministry of technology and science in June of this year. 

The government has since transferred the equipment, which includes wireless and transmission technology power systems and related materials, to Zamtel, its wholly owned telecom service provider. 

 Zamtel, with a 19% market share, is the industry's smallest operator, trailing Airtel and MTN Zambia.

Zamtel CEO Jason Mwanza and minister of science and technology Felix Mutati acknowledged the Huawei donation during a promotional event hosted by the mobile operator to reward the winner of its premier competition. 

The minister directed Zamtel to install the towers in remote locations around the Southern African country.

“All Zambians must have access to phone services for them to benefit from government services and improve their lives,” he said.

Mwanza stated that expanding to remote areas would help the government accelerate its attempts to increase financial inclusion in Zambia.