Celebrating 20 years of connectivity, MTN Zambia is on a mission to increase its customers’ access to a modern, connected life. Abbad Reda, CEO, reflects on two decades of success for the company and its hopes for a digitally enabled future.
ZAMBIA IS CALLING
Playing a vital role in Zambia’s ongoing development, the telecommunications (telecoms) sector continues to enable communication between individuals and businesses and acts as a powerful driver of socioeconomic activity.
“We recognise that the telecoms sector grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to increased demand for digital services as people adapted to partial lockdowns, contributing to a rise in mobile and internet subscriptions, domestic calls, and general usage,” opens Abbad Reda, CEO of MTN Zambia (MTN), the country’s leading mobile network operator.
In this way, the industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, fuelled by technological advancements and supported by targeted government initiatives.
“The government has made a concerted effort to encourage the use of ICT as a tool for economic growth and social inclusion in Zambia,” he adds.
Take, for example, the establishment of the Ministry of Technology and Science alongside the launch of the SMART Zambia Institute – both of which share the common goal of driving the country’s digital transformation and improving national growth through technology.
The SMART Zambia Institute – responsible for the management and promotion of electronic government services – has been pivotal in expanding the use of ICT.
This is demonstrated by its substantial investments in data centres, a computer assembly plant, ICT training centres, and its Digital Skills Training Programme.
These developments are complemented by the expansion of broadband access and improved connectivity to international submarine cables, resulting in more affordable fixed-line and mobile services for end-users.
“It is exciting to note that the recent PwC Zambia Telecommunications Report 2025 highlighted the telecoms sector’s pivotal role as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth and job creation,” he notes.
The report’s findings confirmed rising national demand for increased access to mobile connectivity, data services, and digital financial transactions.
The sector also reportedly generated local employment opportunities and contributed 4.6 percent of total net revenue collections.
20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
With 2025 marking two decades of MTN connecting Zambians, driving digital transformation, and empowering progress across the nation, it is certainly a thrilling time for the company.
“From the beginning, we have championed a business strategy centred around providing leading digital solutions that propel Zambia’s progress, enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential in today’s fast-paced digital world,” Reda explains.
Reflecting on 20 years of success, Reda is proud that MTN was the first mobile network operator to launch 5G in Zambia, support financial inclusion, increase rural site connectivity, and ensure ordinary citizens have access to affordable mobile devices and plans.
“We have enabled everyone from entrepreneurs to the mining sector to reach global markets,” he outlines.
In addition, the MTN Skills Academy – an online platform providing free digital and financial training – has enabled students to access online learning.
Enhanced connection over the last two decades has also empowered healthcare providers to deliver critical telemedicine services.
“We have been at the forefront of ensuring that people can stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues,” Reda prides.
Acknowledging their role in helping the company reach this important milestone, the 20th anniversary campaign provided an important opportunity for MTN to thank its customers, partners, and stakeholders.
A DIGITALLY ENABLED SOCIETY
MTN prides itself on being a leader in innovation and customer-centric service provision.
Through unique product propositions, such as Mixo Mixo, the company provides its customers with the opportunity to tailor their data, voice, and SMS bundle depending on individual requirements, creating a sense of control, freedom, and value-for-money.
“As an inclusive supplier, we seek to enable and empower everyone from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations and public sector organisations,” Reda shares.
As such, MTN recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia’s Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) to upskill SMEs in terms of digital proficiency, market access, finance, and innovation.
“We have also implemented digital self-service portals to make accessing services and onboarding more straightforward,” he details.
For large corporate organisations, MTN is enabling seamless mobile communication such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) for office connectivity locally and internationally.
Unified communications, meanwhile, enables e-businesses to seamlessly connect with their customers across multiple digital channels, whilst Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud solutions allow businesses to effortlessly monitor and optimise their operations in real-time.
In addition, MTN’s high-security networks enable the protection of its customers’ information against cyber-attacks.
CONNECTING THE NATION
Having recently partnered with Huawei to introduce new 5G technology to Zambia, MTN is advancing the country’s network infrastructure and digital future.
“By launching 5G, we have ensured that our various stakeholders get an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the advanced technology,” Reda insights.
For consumers and small businesses, this means increased speed of connectivity and lower latency – which is particularly beneficial for streaming, quicker downloads, faster browsing, video conferencing, and real-time applications.
MTN’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and home internet products offer cities where fixed fibre penetration is still low – like Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola – best-in-class 5G internet service with affordable packages.
Elsewhere, Zambia’s major industries such as mining are also benefitting from MTN’s 5G infrastructure and coverage.
“This is our strategic, long-term national benefit as we believe a private 5G network can power the mining industry – our roll-out in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, for example, was not a coincidence,” he reveals.
As Zambia’s economy is powered by mining, 5G has arguably become the key to unlocking a new era of industrial efficiency and safety.
In addition, 5G’s ultra-low latency allows for the remote operation of heavy mining machinery like drills and haulage trucks, ensuring safety and monitoring become an active process.
Increased operational efficiency from 5G, meanwhile, will allow mines to connect thousands of IoT sensors for real-time data updates, as well as facilitate predictive maintenance on equipment and fleet automation.
“This directly translates to higher productivity and a stronger mining sector,” Reda highlights.
As the first telecoms company to launch 5G in Zambia, Reda emphasises how achieving this prolific milestone is about more than just sending a message, but symbolising Zambia’s future readiness.
“This technology is critical for our industrial clients, especially in the mining sector where automation is becoming the standard.
“We are paving the way for a digital economy, supporting home entertainment, and powering the next SME businesses with reliable and faster internet connectivity.”
BRIDGE THE CONNECTIVITY DIVIDE
Having been appointed as an authorised dealer of SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, MTN is proud to offer Starlink Business packages, providing nationwide internet access across rural, peri-urban, and underserved regions.
“The initiative seeks to bridge the connectivity divide by providing Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband to underserved communities, businesses, and institutions,” Reda smiles.
With Starlink packages now purchasable through local retail outlets, MTN is also on hand to provide professional installation services, specialist support, and dedicated customer service, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience.
Contributing to the economic growth of the country through the roll-out of its advanced technology, MTN is also prioritising digital and financial inclusion by providing affordable smartphones.
“We realised that many people want to use the internet, but the cost of a phone is a barrier,” he outlines.
In light of this, the company introduced the Alola 4G Smartphone in 2024, providing an affordable and subsidised entry-level smartphone to Zambians.
“The Alola 4G Smartphone gives customers a great experience without the need of the heavy price tag,” Reda points out.
By getting more people off 2G and 3G and onto 4G and 5G networks, MTN is opening a new dawn of digital services for its users.
“It is about making sure no one is left behind. This is in line with our commitment and belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life,” he adds.
GROWING WITH PURPOSE
Dedicated to helping its people grow with purpose, MTN actively ensures development happens where it matters most.
“Our approach goes beyond employment today – it’s about sustaining productivity and job satisfaction well into the future,” Reda tells us.
In this way, the company proactively balances the demands of the present with preparation for what lies ahead, considering evolving technologies, changing ways of work, cultural shifts, and the dynamic needs of both customers and employees.
MTN achieves this through a mix of structured learning programmes, leadership development initiatives, and digital learning platforms which make training accessible – anytime, anywhere.
In addition, the company’s partnerships with digital learning providers enable employees to gain future-ready skills in areas such as digital transformation, customer experience, and emerging technologies.
“This commitment spans the entire organisation – from leadership to frontline teams, focusing on what we do today, what we will do tomorrow, and what we will continue doing to stay ahead,” he urges.
“At MTN, we anticipate tomorrow’s customer expectations and the skills required to meet them, leveraging resources that enable us to deliver a truly modern connected life,” Reda reflects.
Through continuous learning and upskilling, the company ensures its workforce is ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape.
“In Africa, digital transformation is a story of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity”
Abbad Reda, CEO, MTN Zambia
MODERN, CONNECTED, PROGRESSIVE
Anticipating a digitally enabled future, MTN’s corporate social investment (CSI) approach has shifted towards more ICT-enabled programmes.
Today, the company aims for 75 percent of its CSI spend to be focused on ICT ecosystem programmes, and the remaining 25 percent used to address national priority areas or disaster relief efforts.
Continually ensuring it is making a difference in the community, MTN prides itself on its staff volunteer programme, 21 Days of Y’ello Care, conducted annually in June.
“We have been undertaking our 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative for 18 years and contribute to meaningful community development that has had a positive impact to several millions of Zambians,” Reda excites.
The initiative was a key part of last years’ 20th anniversary celebrations, where staff participated in activities focusing on bridging the digital divide for remote, rural, and underserved communities, women and girls, those with disabilities, refugees, and youth.
Employees travelled far and wide to implement community-focused, high-impact projects that directly helped over 10,000 Zambians.
Through the MTN Zambia Foundation, meanwhile, the company has continued to increase gender equality and youth development.
The Foundation’s PachiPanda Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), for example, offers younger generations a platform to present innovative ideas on challenges relating to climate change, energy, and food security.
MTN is proud to see that a Zambian-born initiative has been widely adopted, with five countries now competing in the PachiPanda Innovation Challenge – namely Zambia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and South Africa.
The MTN Skills Academy platform has been one of the flagship projects for the MTN Zambia Foundation, offering over 300 free courses addressing the need for digital skills enhancement and recording over 20,000 users so far, contributing to digital inclusion and bridging the digital skills gap.
Looking ahead, the company remains committed to ensuring access to a modern, connected life, protecting the planet, and driving digital and financial inclusion that will boost inclusive economic growth in Zambia and beyond.
“In Africa, digital transformation is a story of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity. It’s not just about digitising services or adopting new tools – it’s about reimagining how people live, work, and prosper through technology and solving uniquely African challenges with African innovation.
“When digital becomes the foundation for socioeconomic mobility, not just convenience, that’s when transformation is truly real,” Reda passionately concludes.
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