15 May 2025
Zamtel has announced plans to deploy 600 new 4G and 5G sites in Chalala, a rapidly growing district in Muchinga Province, to deliver faster speeds and improved network reliability.
The announcement was made over the weekend during the official launch of the upgraded network in Chalala, attended by Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati. The minister highlighted that Chalala is one of Lusaka’s fastest-growing residential areas, with increasing business activity that offers opportunities not only for network providers but also for manufacturers and wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods.
Minister Mutati described the development as a ‘new dawn’ for Zambia, emphasizing Zamtel’s progress since emerging from insolvency. The company is now profitable and investing in infrastructure upgrades aimed at fostering economic growth and empowering local entrepreneurs.
Zamtel stated that the modernization and expansion of the 4G/5G network in Chalala will help bridge the connectivity gap, supporting digital services such as e-learning, e-health, and e-commerce. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve browsing speeds, enhance multimedia app performance, and support innovative digital ventures, including smart home systems and digital entrepreneurship.
The new Chalala site launch is expected to serve as a model for similar upgrades across Lusaka and other parts of Zambia. According to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, as of 2024, only about 53% of the country’s population had access to mobile broadband, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas.
Zamtel noted that while Lusaka enjoys relatively higher coverage, districts like Chalala still face congestion and suboptimal speeds due to infrastructure limitations. The upgraded network aims to address these issues, ensuring broader access to digital services and supporting Zambia’s digital growth ambitions.
