Zambia Reports Steady Progress on Environmental Approvals for New Telecommunication Towers
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has announced significant progress in the review and approval of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for telecommunication towers under construction across the country.
In a meeting held on 3 November 2025, the Ministry, together with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Airtel Zambia and IHS Zambia, assessed the status of environmental compliance for ongoing and planned tower installations.
According to the Ministry, IHS Zambia submitted 152 tower sites for environmental clearance. Of these, ZEMA has granted full approval for 129 sites, while 23 sites have been issued with Letters of Comfort, allowing the company to commence construction while final documentation is being concluded.
For Airtel Zambia, 156 sites were submitted for approval. ZEMA has fully cleared 55 sites, and a further 52 have received Letters of Comfort. However, 37 sites have incomplete Environmental Impact Assessment reports, and 12 sites remain pending due to missing supporting documents. The Ministry emphasised that ZEMA will only proceed with assessment once all required information is submitted.
Airtel Zambia also plans to construct 73 additional tower sites in Lusaka. Currently, 29 sites are under construction, while 11 have been issued with Letters of Comfort to begin works immediately. Construction for the 29 sites already underway is expected to be completed by the second week of December 2025. ZICTA has been directed to conduct physical inspections to monitor progress and ensure timely completion.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, said the Government remains committed to ensuring that all telecommunication infrastructure complies with environmental regulations.
“Our priority is to safeguard human health and the environment while supporting national digital connectivity goals,” he said.
The Ministry has encouraged service providers to expedite submission of outstanding documentation to avoid delays in approval and implementation.
