SMART Zambia and ZESCO to Boost Nationwide Digital Connectivity
SMART Zambia Institute and ZESCO Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding digital connectivity nationwide, targeting more than 3,200 health facilities and over 10,000 schools.
The agreement seeks to modernise public services through cost-effective and reliable digital infrastructure. ZESCO’s telecommunications subsidiary, Fibrecom, will lead the rollout, connecting schools, health centres, and police stations to support e-learning, electronic health records, telemedicine, and other digital government services.
ZESCO Managing Director Justine Longo described the MoU as “a major national investment”. She said, “Connecting schools, clinics, and police stations is not just a technology upgrade, it is an investment in access, responsiveness, and equity. Fibrecom will ensure the design, construction, and maintenance are coordinated and measurable, so the impact reaches every community.”
SMART Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama highlighted that the project will make use of existing infrastructure, reducing costs and avoiding the need for new systems.
“This reflects what our government stands for—using what we already have. This MoU will unlock connectivity not only in the public sector but for all citizens,” he said.
SMART Zambia Director of Infrastructure Paison Chikoye noted that currently fewer than 55 per cent of health facilities and about 30 per cent of schools are connected to the internet.
“Technology equalises opportunities. With this partnership, every school and health facility across all 116 districts can be connected cost-effectively,” he explained. “For schools, it means access to digital learning resources. For health facilities, it allows electronic health records to follow patients across hospitals, ensuring continuity of care.”
Chinyama added that the initiative will allow government services to reach even the most remote communities efficiently, leveraging ZESCO’s fibre network and strategic infrastructure.
