MTN, ZICTA plan green-energy tower rollout in Zambia

by ARNOLD MULENGA

LUSAKA – MTN Zambia and the country’s Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) plan to erect 80 green-energy powered telecommunication towers countrywide in 2026.

This drive is part of the country’s Universal Access Telecommunication Towers project, aimed to close the digital divide.

These 4G towers are to be fully solar-powered, ensuring reliability where there is no grid electricity, in a country that is experiencing energy challenges.

A new tower has this week been launched in the Katete district of the Eastern Province.

Felix Mutati, the Minister of Technology and Science, presided over the commissioning of the facility.

Revealing plans for construction of more towers nationwide by MTN and ZICTA, he added the green-energy solution would bring the digital economy directly to rural communities of Zambia.

“Location should never be a barrier to opportunity. The New Dawn government is committed to ensuring no one is left offline,” Mutati said.

The tower in Katete will provide connectivity to more than 20 900 people.

Some ten schools, four health centres and 11 polling stations, ahead of the August elections, will be supported.

“Every Zambian deserves a connected life. Whether in a village or a city, our children must have the same digital tools to learn and grow,” Mutati said.

MTN Zambia confirmed the partnership with ZICTA on the tower rollout.

“MTN remains committed to bridging the digital divide by expanding our network and infrastructure to make sure no one remains behind and is able to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life,” the mobile operator stated on Monday.

MTN Zambia is the Southern African country’s second-largest network (behind Airtel), holding around 35 percent of the mobile subscriber market share.

– CAJ News