The Zambian government has officially launched the National Public Free WiFi initiative aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens across the country.
The ZamFree National Public Free WiFi initiative has been launched simultaneously at three (3) key public hubs: at Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, Kapiri-Mposhi Bus Station and Kitwe’s Chisokone Market.
Officiating at the launch at Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Mutati, emphasized the significance of this initiative in creating a digitally inclusive Zambia.
“It is my great honour and privilege to officially launch Zambia’s first public Wi-Fi initiative, targeting key public spaces such as markets, bus stations, borders, airports, schools, and hospitals,” Hon Mutati said.
“We celebrate our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering our people, particularly our marketeers and travellers, who form the backbone of our local economy. For the marketeers, this initiative provides access to online marketplaces, financial services, and tools to grow their businesses. For travelers, it ensures seamless communication and access to information that enhances their journeys and livelihoods,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Gary Nkombo, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Phiri, highlighted the importance of the initiative in modernizing and streamlining local government operations.
“This launch is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete step towards implementing the local government digital strategy, which is designed to bring innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity to our local administration,” Hon Nkombo said.
Hon Nkombo highlighted that the digital transformation of local governments is critical for improving service delivery by leveraging technology to foster transparency, participation, and responsiveness to the needs of communities.
In her speech, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) Ms Kusobile Kamwambi explained that the initiative is more than a technological milestone as it represents a future where every Zambian, regardless of their age, background, or status, is empowered to access opportunities in the national and global digital economy.
Ms Kamwambi emphasized that this was in line with the vision championed by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema adding that the vision is a cornerstone of Zambia’s journey towards achieving Vision 2030, transforming Zambia into a prosperous and competitive middle-income economy.
“The Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) underscores the importance of economic transformation and job creation, targeting 80% internet penetration by 2026,” she said.
“To achieve this, the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has prioritized digital inclusion as a cornerstone, striving to connect and empower 80% of Zambians with digital access and literacy, while enabling 20% of citizens to actively participate in the digital economy by the same year.”
Meanwhile, SMART Zambia’s National Coordinator, Mr Percy Chinyama, emphasized the significance of the initiative in promoting digital inclusion and enhancing access to essential government services.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our journey toward digital inclusion and enhancing access to essential government services for all Zambians,” Mr Chinyama said.
“With this joint launch, we are providing free limited internet to the public to access over 320 government services from various government institutions through the Government Service Bus (Zamportal). This will now be done right from your smartphone or device without needing to travel to a government office. This serves your time for other productivity.”
Mr Chinyama further underscored the importance of the Government Service Bus (GSB) as a source of non-tax revenue for the government adding that since its implementation from 2019 to date, a total amount of 5.8 billion Kwacha (ZMW5,793,623,734.34) and 24.9 million United States Dollar (USD 24,984,290.53) have been collected through the Zamportal.
Regional Managing Director of inq.Digital, Mr Duncan Pie, expressed his pride and honor in partnering with the Government of Zambia to provide Wi-Fi equipment and a reliable bandwidth capacity of 25 Mbps at each of the pilot sites. The company believes that technology is unparalleled in leapfrogging social and economic development.
This initiative is made possible through a strong partnership between the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Presidential Delivery Unit, Smart Zambia Institute, and government’s technology partner, inq.Digital.
