Zambia’s ICT sector sees growth in mid-2024: mobile subscriptions up 8.9%, internet, 12.6%

Zambia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has experienced substantial growth in the first half of 2024, with mobile cellular subscriptions increasing by 8.9 percent to reach 21.9 million, up from 20 million in 2023.

Internet subscriptions also witnessed significant growth, rising 10.2 percent to 12.6 million.

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) released these findings in their 2024 Mid-Year Market Report, which was presented to Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Tuesday by Hanford Chaaba, ZICTA’s Manager for Corporate Communications.

The report highlighted notable progress across various industry segments.

Mobile money services have seen remarkable advancements, with transaction values increasing by 12 percent to K222.8 billion from K199.5 billion in the previous year.

Similarly, transaction volumes rose by 44 percent to K1.4 billion from K976 million.

Chaaba attributed these improvements to expanded network coverage and a growing interest in digital platforms such as mobile money and social media.

The number of valid ICT licenses grew from 89 to 93, while postal and courier licenses surged by 28 percent to 113.

This growth was largely due to a 55 percent reduction in license fees for postal and courier services and the favorable investment climate in the sector.

ZICTA’s Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) has been active in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, initiating the construction of 51 new telecommunication towers and the relocation of 40 existing ones.

Additionally, operators have made significant investments in 5G technology.

The report also noted that domestic and international call traffic showed modest growth.

However, data usage experienced a slight decrease of four percent.

Despite this, overall sector revenues grew to K2.5 billion, with data revenue contributing 46.3 per percent of the total.

Looking ahead, Chaaba expects the ICT sector to maintain its growth trajectory, driven by continued infrastructure investments and the government’s digital transformation agenda.

Key regulatory initiatives anticipated in the second half of 2024 include the development of a national postcode system and a cost-of-service study to ensure equitable wholesale access arrangements.

However, Chaaba also highlighted potential challenges that could impact the sector.

These include electricity load shedding and exchange rate pressures, which may affect pricing, adoption, and utilization rates.

Overall, the positive trends in Zambia’s ICT sector reflect ongoing advancements and a commitment to expanding digital access and infrastructure.

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