Zambia's Mobile and Internet Subscribers Hit Record Highs

Zambia's digital sector recorded strong growth in 2025, with mobile phone subscriptions rising from 23.2 million to 26.2 million and internet users climbing from 13.3 million to 14.7 million, according to the latest market performance report from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority.

ZICTA's Manager for Corporate Communications, Hanford Chaaba, attributed the growth to improved network infrastructure, more affordable data packages, and rising demand for digital services in areas including education, commerce, and social communication.

Domestic voice traffic increased from 34.7 billion minutes to 36 billion minutes over the same period, while the number of mobile network towers grew from 3,551 to 3,751. Total network sites reached 14,909, partly driven by the ongoing rollout of 5G services. Revenue from mobile operators rose from 11.54 billion kwacha to 13.15 billion kwacha, though international call volumes continued to decline as users shift to internet-based communication platforms.

On the regulatory front, ZICTA introduced a new ICT licensing framework, a National Child Online Protection Strategy, and the Cybersecurity Act, which establishes the basis for a national cybersecurity agency.

Looking ahead, mobile subscriptions are projected to reach 27.8 million by the end of 2026. Over 300 additional towers are planned under the World Bank-supported Digital Zambia Acceleration Project to extend coverage to underserved areas. Chaaba urged Zambians to remain vigilant against cyber threats as digital adoption accelerates.