Zambia's technology and science minister, Felix Mutati.

The Zambian government has announced plans to build 520 new communication towers throughout the country by the end of 2025.

This plan aims to achieve 96 percent coverage of phone and internet services nationwide.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati made the statement while commissioning a communication tower in Itezhi-Tezhi.

“The construction of the communication towers is aimed at helping Zambians utilise online services offered by the government,” Mutati said.

The government will build 340 of the total towers, with the private sector taking up the remaining 180. This expansion will bring Zambia's total number of towers to 900 once they are completely operational.

Minister Mutati said the additional towers are critical for boosting online access to government services like as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and Social Cash Transfer, especially in rural areas.

Furthermore, existing 2G networks in some areas, like as Itezhi-Tezhi, will be upgraded to 4G to provide quicker internet connectivity.