Government has commended Airtel Zambia for investing US$ 50 million dollars in a 5 G digital communication technology.

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati applauded Airtel for being a leader in digital telecommunications.

 Mr Mutati said government will continue to provide a conducive environment for players in the communication sector to thrive.

He said the desire of government is to see that the internet is accessible and made available to all parts of the country and contribute to economic growth.

Mr Mutati urged players in the telecommunications sector to take advantage of the incentives that government is providing and enhance internet connectivity in the country.

He stressed that the 5 G internet will enhance speed and faster internet connectivity and lead to productivity in sectors such as health, agriculture and mining.

And speaking earlier at the same event, Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda said the coming of 5 G will transform and shape the way of life for the Zambian people.

Ms Kasanda expressed optimism that the 5 G internet will immensely contribute to the country’s economic growth.

She said entrepreneurs will be empowered to reach new markets with the launching of the 5 G interwork and lead to business growth.

Ms Kasanda called on people to embrace the 5 G technology if the country is to fully benefit from the cutting edge technology.

She said the 5 G internet has the potential to drive economic development and improve the livelihoods of the people.

The Minister described the launch of 5 G as a giant leap in the telecommunications sector.

Meanwhile, Airtel Africa – Regional Director Apoorva Mehrotra said the launch of the 5 G will revolutionize internet broadband services in the country.

Mr Mehrotra said Airtel remains committed to offering affordable and faster internet connectivity to its clients.

He said the company will work expeditiously in rolling out the 5 G network across the country.

Mr Mehrotra said the aim of Airtel is to ensure that people in rural areas have the same internet speed like those in urban areas.

He reiterated that Airtel Zambia will continue to invest in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Mr Mehrotra telecommunications sector is going to have access to high speed internet.

And Zambia Information & Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA)

Director General Choolwe Andrew Nalubamba said the launch of the 5 G internet has excited his organisation and that it will transform internet broadband speed. Mr Nalubamba said ZICTA is looking forward to the extensive 5 G rollout as promised by Airtel.

He said ZICTA is eager to see Airtel clients benefit from the 5 G internet.

Mr Nalubamba reaffirmed ZICTA’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in the telecommunications sector.

Government has collaborated with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to invest in internet connectivity along the Lobito Corridor.

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says this will be done through laying fiber internet along the Lobito Corridor in order to enhance internet penetration among the countries sharing the corridor.

Speaking during the Digitalization Drive dialogue with Internet network providers in Lusaka, Mr Mutati observed that digital transformation is key to economic development in the country and the world at large.

He indicated that laying fiber internet on the Lobito Corridor from Congo DR, Angola and Zambia will enable cheap and fast internet for thus contributing to economic growth.

‘’The collaboration between Zambia and Congo will enable them to place the Lobito corridor at the center of investment. This will be attained because Zambia has created an enabling environment for investments,’’ said Mr Mutati.

And Democratic Republic of Congo Representative Blaise Azitemina Fundji noted the need for skills development for the end users of digital equipment’s especially the ordinary citizens.

Mr Fundji added that the Digitalization Drive dialogue is key to finding solutions to challenges faced in the regional Information Communication Technology (ICT) which is a key factor to economic transformation in the modern society.

‘’Regional Integration is important for international connectivity between Zambia and DRC as we are a part of the Lobito corridor and we hope the dialogue will help to find best ways to provide effective and efficient internet services to the end users in the region,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director General Choolwe Nalubamba in a speech read for him by Markets and Competition Manager Lwando Bbuku pledged to foster inclusive connectivity and secure ICT service to all.

Mr Nalumba stated that this will be achieved through providing internet connectivity in schools for learners and improved infrastructure development for all.

‘’Our aspiration as ZICTA is to provide secure ICT services to all through providing support to young entrepreneurs with new innovative ideas and the Digitalization Drive dialogue will help us find solutions to challenges faced in the ICT sector as a country,’’ he said.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has reviewed and granted seven power purchase agreements to seven power utilities for them to supply power to serve consumers better.

ERB acting Director General, Alfred Mwila says ZESCO has agreed with Maamba Collieries for a contracted capacity of 208.8 megawatts for a period of 20 years.

Mr Mwila also named Botswana Power Corporation which ZESCO has entered into for a contracted capacity of 200 megawatts for a duration of two years.

Speaking during a mid-year press briefing in Lusaka today, Mr Mwila said the power purchasing agreements are aimed at ensuring efficient and sustainable energy supply to consumers.

He named the other utility companies that ZESCO has partnered with as Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company for a contracted capacity of 10 megawatts for a duration of 10 years.

Mr Mwila further said ZESCO has also entered into power purchase agreement with Integrated China energy for a contracted capacity of 600 megawatts for a duration of 35 years among other utility companies.

And Mr Mwila also mentioned that ERB will continue to conduct monthly petroleum pricing reviews so as to safeguard the interests of all energy stakeholders.

He explained that the monthly fuel price reviews are in response to the change in procurement and supply of petroleum products.

Mr Mwila also disclosed that ERB has continued to facilitate investment in the renewable energy space by issuing licences to firms that will generate power.

He said the renewable energy sector focuses on harnessing naturally occurring non depletable sources of energy which include solar, wind, biomass among others.

Meanwhile, ERB acting Director Consumer and Public Affairs, Stephen Bwalya disclosed that ZESCO has dismantled the backlog of over 67,000 customers who had been wanting to be connected to the grid.

He attributed the speedy connection process of clients to the national grid to the new effective management at the power utility company.