“Improved Connectivity Is Transforming Our Community,” Says Chieftainess Kawaza
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with traditional leadership to advance digital inclusion and rural development in Eastern Province.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati made these remarks when he paid a courtesy call on Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Kawaza at Kawaza Palace in Milanzi, ahead of the commissioning of a telecommunications tower at Kapungwe Primary School in Sinda District.
The engagement highlighted Government’s resolve to collaborate with traditional authorities in promoting national development, particularly in digital connectivity, infrastructure expansion and improved service delivery to rural communities.
Mr Mutati emphasised the strategic importance of Zambia’s digital infrastructure agenda, noting that the expansion of fibre networks and telecommunications towers is positioning the country as a regional data transit hub within Southern Africa and beyond.
He explained that this development is expected to reduce the cost of data, improve connectivity and generate revenue through regional data transmission, contributing positively to the national economy.
The Minister further noted that the deployment of telecommunications towers is addressing long-standing connectivity challenges in Eastern Province, including areas that had never previously accessed reliable communication services despite large populations.
He said the new infrastructure would go beyond voice communication to unlock opportunities in digital entrepreneurship, online government services, education and emergency response.
Mr Mutati reaffirmed Government’s vision of ensuring universal digital access and encouraged traditional leaders to actively identify development gaps within their chiefdoms to support prioritised and inclusive development planning.
In her remarks, Chieftainess Kawaza expressed gratitude to Government for prioritising communication infrastructure in her chiefdom, stating that improved connectivity had enhanced information sharing, emergency response and community services, including education.
However, she raised concerns about network limitations, calling for the upgrading of some towers from 2G and 3G to 4G to meet growing demand, particularly in schools and public institutions.
She also highlighted other pressing development needs in the district, including poor road infrastructure along key economic routes, border security coordination with neighbouring Mozambique, and the need for critical health facilities such as a blood bank and a modern mortuary.
In response, the Minister assured the Chieftainess that her concerns would be shared with relevant Government departments. He confirmed that a national programme to upgrade telecommunications towers to 4G is already underway and commended district leadership for the effective utilisation of Constituency Development Fund resources, citing visible infrastructure developments in the area.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to peace, inclusive growth and sustainable development, recognising the central role of traditional leaders in national progress and cross-border harmony.
