Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku has disclosed that the Ministry is targeting to connect 2,500 additional schools to reliable internet services by the end of 2026.
Ms Muneku says the move is aimed at ensuring that learners, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, are not left behind in the digital transformation of the education sector.
She also notes that over 100,000 learners are already benefiting from digital learning initiatives made possible through partnerships between the Government and the private sector.
She was speaking during the 2026 Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on National School Internet Connectivity and Digital Learning Initiatives in Lusaka.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director General, Collins Mbulo revealed that ZICTA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has so far donated nearly 13,000 computers to about 600 schools nationwide.
Mr Mbulo, represented by ZICTA Director for Universal Access and Services, Collins Chomba added that 156 schools have already been connected to the internet, with an additional 50 schools earmarked for connection this year, bringing the total number to slightly over 200.
He further disclosed that 33 of the schools being connected this year are part of a joint effort with Smart Zambia, aimed at integrating them into the Government Wide Area Network.
Meanwhile, Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama explained that under the Government Wide Area Network, schools are being integrated into a secure, centrally managed system, with shared infrastructure helping to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
Mr Chinyama, represented by Smart Zambia Institute Director of Infrastructure, Paison Chikoye, added that connectivity is being extended to underserved and hard-to-reach areas through innovative solutions, including low Earth orbit satellite technology.
He said beyond internet access, the initiative also includes the distribution of ICT equipment, digital skills training for teachers, and the rollout of digital learning platforms and local content.
