Zain Zambia, the largest mobile telecoms company in the country, has announced that it is implementing structural changes to align it with the Group’s new operating model. Similar changes are being carried out at all Zain operations in the Middle East and Africa. The new method of operation will involve centralisation of capabilities across all of Zain’s 23 operations in order to maximise economies of scale and realise significant efficiencies and cost savings.
“Zain has undertaken a review of its operation to ensure it is best able to deliver improved services and quality to its customers, and to make sure we can do this as efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible,” said Zain Managing Director, Mr. David Holliday.
“The goal of the revisions was to make sure Zain had the right structure in place across all its operational areas to address market challenges in Zambia going forwards, and to align itself with the recently announced ‘Drive 2011’ group-wide plans for greater efficiency”, he added.
As part of these changes Zain Zambia is shedding 96 jobs with immediate effect. Zain Zambia expects the reduction in the number of staff to be achieved through a combination of redeployment, non-renewal of contracts, and redundancies. 58 of the staff affected were ‘permanent’ employees, and 38 were ‘casual’ employees.
“We will be working closely with employees to assist with this transition and will ensure that any impacted employees are treated with respect and dignity consistent with our values.”
Since 2005 Zain has invested more than US$ 12 billion in Africa, and in excess of US$500 million in Zambia. This year alone Zain will pump in more than US$ 1 billion of investments in its networks in Africa as part of the Company’s drive to bring the latest world class technology to its customers .