GSMAZ Celebrates Progress and Welcomes New Chair
The Global System for Mobile Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) has marked the end of 2025 with a ceremony celebrating a year of progress, strengthened partnerships, and renewed commitment to advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The event, held at Zamtel Park in Lusaka, also featured a leadership transition, with outgoing Chairperson and Zamtel CEO, Mr Jason Mwanza, handing over responsibility to MTN Zambia CEO, Mr Abbad Reda.
GSMAZ, formed by Airtel Networks Zambia, MTN Zambia and Zamtel, continues to play a pivotal role as the unified voice of the country’s mobile network operators. The association drives policy engagement, industry collaboration and efforts to expand digital inclusion, positioning itself as a cornerstone in Zambia’s journey towards a digitally empowered society.
Representing the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati MP, the Director of Digital Communications, Mr Nkula Mwanza, commended GSMAZ for its constructive contributions throughout the year. He noted that the telecommunications sector is the backbone of national priorities such as e-government services, digital financial solutions, cybersecurity frameworks and the emerging digital skills economy.
He further emphasised that Zambia’s ambitions for widespread digital access and improved public service delivery depend heavily on strong partnerships between Government and industry.
Mr Mwanza also highlighted the success of the Fraud Awareness Campaign, which has played an important role in protecting citizens from mobile-money-related scams. He stressed that such initiatives build public trust, an essential factor in the growth of digital payments, e-commerce and mobile-based government services.
The Government, he said, remains committed to working with GSMAZ to expand broadband infrastructure, strengthen consumer protection, enhance cybersecurity and promote digital innovation, while urging operators to address concerns relating to service quality.
In his final address as Chairperson, Mr Jason Mwanza reflected on what he described as a year that demonstrated the “remarkable impact of unity and shared purpose” across the telecommunications ecosystem. He highlighted several achievements, including close engagement with regulatory bodies such as ZICTA, the Data Protection Commission, the Presidential Delivery Unit and the Zambia Revenue Authority.
He also highlighted a key milestone—the Digital Economy Roundtable with President Hakainde Hichilema—which resulted in the removal of the requirement for ZEMA clearance for tower installation, accelerating the expansion of network infrastructure.
Additional achievements included participation in the ICT and Digitalisation Technical Working Group, the launch of the inaugural Telecommunications Industry Report in partnership with PwC, collaboration with UNICEF on child online protection, and joint industry proposals for the 2026 National Budget.
He noted that efforts to reduce the cost of entry-level smartphones were particularly important for expanding broadband adoption among low-income households. Mr Mwanza thanked GSMAZ members for their support and assured them that Zamtel would continue to back the association’s work.
Airtel CEO, Mr Hussam Baday, commended GSMAZ for becoming more influential and visible under Mr Mwanza’s leadership. He called for the association to enhance its communication platforms, including social media, to ensure the public clearly understands the sector’s contributions, challenges and ongoing initiatives.
He emphasised that the telecommunications industry plays a central role in national development and must continue advocating proactively for an enabling environment.
Incoming Chairperson, Mr Abbad Reda, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the outgoing Chairperson’s leadership during a year marked by regulatory and economic challenges. He reaffirmed GSMAZ’s commitment to collaboration, transparency and collective progress.
Outlining his priorities for the coming year, Mr Reda highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships across the sector, promote innovation and digital inclusion, advocate for supportive regulatory frameworks, enhance network resilience and ensure fair competition.
He added that in 2026, GSMAZ would continue working to connect communities, expand digital opportunities and contribute to the country’s modern digital economy. The ceremony concluded with reflections on shared achievements, renewed unity and a collective vision for a digitally empowered Zambia.
