Kitwe KVTC Telecommunications Tower Launched to Boost Digital Connectivity
The Kitwe KVTC Telecommunications Tower was officially commissioned on Saturday in a move expected to significantly enhance digital connectivity and network reliability in the Copperbelt.
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati, who praised IHS Towers for its sustained investment in Zambia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Speaking at the ceremony, IHS Chief Executive Officer Mr Phiri said the company is a leading global telecommunications infrastructure provider, operating more than 87,000 towers across Europe and West Africa, with over 2,000 towers currently deployed in Zambia.
He reaffirmed IHS’s commitment to partnering with Government to deliver reliable and high-quality telecommunications services to Zambians.
Mr Phiri further highlighted IHS’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include the construction of schools and clinics, refurbishment of public institutions, and the provision of generators to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Providing technical details, IHS Director of Operations Engineer Otun explained that the newly deployed towers utilise an integrated energy system combining generators, lithium batteries, and solar power.
He said generators operate for approximately two hours to charge the batteries, which then power the towers for up to eight hours, with solar energy serving as a backup. Once connected to the national electricity grid, the towers will operate without generators, resulting in significant cost efficiencies.
Through its partnership with Airtel Zambia, IHS has constructed 225 telecommunications towers since last year and is on track to complete the remaining 75 by 31 March, bringing the total to 300 towers nationwide.
In his keynote address, Minister Mutati underscored Government’s role as an enabler of private sector growth, citing policy measures such as debt restructuring and the zero-rating of taxes on imported telecommunications equipment.
He said these reforms have encouraged IHS and Airtel Zambia to jointly invest USD 100 million in tower construction across the country.
The Minister noted that the New Dawn Administration, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has received international recognition from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, including a USD 100 million grant earmarked for the construction of an additional 300 telecommunications towers this year.
Minister Mutati revealed that the ICT sector is now Zambia’s fastest-growing contributor to Gross Domestic Product, contributing 17.4 percent in the previous year, surpassing traditional sectors such as mining and agriculture.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving service delivery under the principle of “Hello, thank you, I have received,” emphasising responsive and reliable communication systems.
He concluded by stating that expanded telecommunications infrastructure will reduce dropped calls and poor network quality, ensuring that improved connectivity benefits all Zambians, including farmers, marketeers, and digital entrepreneurs, while supporting the effective delivery of Government programmes such as FISP, Cash for Work, and the Social Cash Transfer Scheme.
