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In a major boost for Zambia’s digital infrastructure, Airtel Zambia, in collaboration with global telecom infrastructure provider IHS Towers, has announced a joint investment of $14 million over the next six months. The initiative aims to construct 152 new communication towers across the country, significantly expanding mobile coverage and enhancing network quality.
According to Hussam Baday, Managing Director of Airtel Zambia, the project is set to increase population coverage from the current 91.6% to 93% by 2026, with long-term ambitions of reaching 95% to 96% within two years. The move aligns with Zambia’s broader goals for digital inclusion and compliance with evolving telecom regulatory frameworks.
Baday revealed these plans during a meeting with Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science. The Minister welcomed the investment, praising the private-public collaboration as a step forward in closing the digital divide and enhancing the delivery of digital services.
“In just six months, 152 towers will be operational. That’s a substantial gain for mobile connectivity and economic development,” said Mutati, reaffirming government support for infrastructure-led innovation and sustainable digital growth.
This strategic expansion comes as MTN Zambia takes parallel steps toward next-generation connectivity. Partnering with Huawei, MTN is rolling out a Meta-Active Antenna Unit (Meta-AAU)—an advanced antenna system engineered to improve network performance, coverage, bandwidth, and energy efficiency. The technology is a vital enabler for 5G and future-ready (5.5G) networks, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and performance benchmarks.
Thomas Ngoma, Chief Technology Officer at MTN Zambia, noted that Huawei’s dual-band AAU technology will enhance current capabilities while laying a strong foundation for scalable upgrades. “This innovation is a cornerstone of our 5G evolution and a key investment in Zambia’s digital future,” he stated.
Huawei executive Robin Yu Bin added that the Meta-AAU’s deployment showcases its commercial viability and supports MTN’s efforts to develop a smart, sustainable mobile network infrastructure. The initiative emphasizes Huawei’s commitment to digital transformation and regulatory technology solutions across Africa.
Together, these advancements by Airtel and MTN signal a transformative era in Zambia’s telecom sector—driven by strategic investment, regulatory compliance, and technology innovation. As the country strengthens its mobile infrastructure, stakeholders anticipate improved access, lower latency, and broader support for digital services critical to governance, financial inclusion, and socio-economic development.
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