Zambia has taken a monumental step towards fostering digital inclusion with the official launch of its National Public Free Wi-Fi initiative. Aimed at connecting citizens and empowering communities, the programme was inaugurated at key public hubs across the country, including Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, Kapiri-Mposhi Bus Station, and Kitwe’s Chisokone Market.
During the launch at Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential for Zambia’s economy and its people. He emphasised that the free Wi-Fi would particularly benefit market traders and travellers, providing them with tools to access online marketplaces, financial services, and crucial information.
“This initiative embodies our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering our people,” Hon. Mutati remarked. He pointed out that by equipping traders with digital tools, the government is enabling them to expand their businesses, while travellers will enjoy uninterrupted communication and access to vital travel information.
Modernising Local Government
The launch also highlighted the role of digital transformation in modernising local governance. Speaking on behalf of Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gary Nkombo, Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Zambia’s local government digital strategy. This strategy is aimed at leveraging technology to promote transparency, improve service delivery, and boost community engagement.
“This is not just a symbolic gesture but a practical step towards efficiency and inclusivity in local administration,” Phiri stated.
The Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Ms. Kusobile Kamwambi, linked the project to Zambia’s broader developmental goals, including Vision 2030, which aspires to transform the country into a competitive middle-income economy.
According to Ms. Kamwambi, the initiative is central to achieving the Eighth National Development Plan’s (8NDP) goal of 80% internet penetration by 2026. She explained that the government aims to connect 80% of Zambians with digital access and enable 20% of the population to actively participate in the digital economy within the same timeframe.
Seamless Access to Government Services
SMART Zambia’s National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama, elaborated on how the free Wi-Fi will enhance access to over 320 government services through the Government Service Bus (Zamportal). He noted that the initiative eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices, allowing citizens to manage their time more efficiently.
“This is a major step towards digital inclusion and making essential government services accessible to all,” Mr. Chinyama said. Since its launch in 2019, Zamportal has generated over 5.8 billion Kwacha (ZMW5,793,623,734.34) and nearly $25 million (USD 24,984,290.53) in revenue, demonstrating the platform’s economic impact.
The initiative is a result of collaborative efforts between various government bodies and private sector partners. Technology partner inq.Digital played a pivotal role by providing Wi-Fi equipment and a reliable bandwidth of 25 Mbps at each pilot site. Regional Managing Director of inq.Digital, Mr. Duncan Pie, expressed pride in contributing to a project that exemplifies how technology can drive social and economic development.
