06 September 2022

Zambian telecom operators MTN Zambia, Airtel Networks Zambia and Zamtel have formed a group called The Global System for Mobile Association of Zambia (GSMAZ), one of the objectives of the new body being to defend their interests and accelerate the development of the sector.

The GSMAZ will work with the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), local government and other stakeholders to promote policies that encourage the growth of the digital economy, according to local reports.

One of GSMAZ’s first actions will be to shed light on the viability of one of its members, Zamtel. It is understood president Hakainde Hichilema appointed a task force in June to determine the future of the financially troubled state-owned operator. The newly formed group will have to investigate and suggest appropriate actions to save it.

Apoorva Mehrotra, CEO of Airtel Zambia said a siloed and competitive approach among operators is giving way to a more collaborative approach to address industry concerns and raise the profile of mobile telecommunications in Zambia.

The latest figures from the regulator show MTN Zambia Ltd and Airtel Zambia Ltd dominating the national market with 45.3% and 35.5% market share respectively. Zamtel, meanwhile, has the lowest share, with 19.2% of total subscriptions.