Ericsson Opens New Zambia Office, Strengthening the Nation’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Zambia has taken a major step forward in its digital transformation journey with the official opening of Ericsson’s new office in Lusaka. The milestone event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and diplomatic representatives, reaffirming a shared commitment to building a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the government’s ongoing reforms to expand digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and enhance connectivity across the country.
He described Ericsson’s physical presence in Zambia as a deepened partnership that will accelerate national digital development.
Mutati outlined a four-pillar “digital covenant” guiding future collaboration between Ericsson, the government, and the people of Zambia. The pillars include the need for agile innovation (“Feet Next to the Fire”), customised technological solutions (“No One Size Fits All”), faster operational delivery (“Teach the Elephant to Dance”), and shared responsibility for progress (“Ubuntu”).
He further highlighted an enabling policy environment that includes tax-free imports of digital infrastructure and regulatory reforms that helped the ICT sector record an impressive 17.4% growth in 2023.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s focus on strengthening digital governance, expanding 5G networks, and improving digital skills and literacy to ensure greater inclusion.
Technology, Mutati noted, is increasingly central to national development, enabling efficiency in industries such as mining and supporting public services including free education, healthcare, and social protection through technology-driven economic growth.
Mr Alain Maupin, Ericsson’s Vice President for East and North Africa, hailed the new office as a testament to more than 20 years of the company’s commitment to Zambia. He said Zambia is well positioned to lead in 5G-enabled digital growth, with opportunities across smart industries, financial inclusion, and digital public services.
Maupin also emphasised the importance of partnerships involving government, the private sector, academia, and local communities, while reaffirming Ericsson’s commitment to sustainability and digital skills development across Africa.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Johan Hallenborg, underscored the growing importance of security, trust, and democratic values in the digital era. He praised Ericsson’s global reputation for secure and transparent network infrastructure and stressed the need for trusted technology vendors at a time when digital tools can be misused for surveillance, disinformation, or rights violations.
Hallenborg highlighted Ericsson’s independence from intrusive foreign intelligence laws, reinforcing Zambia’s data protection and digital sovereignty.
He added that the new office not only deepens Zambia–Sweden relations but also supports Zambia’s ambitions in rolling out secure 5G and future 6G technologies.
