Since 2012, ZICTA has been implementing a project aimed at extending telecommunication coverage to unserved and underserved areas. These areas are often less commercially viable for the private sector to invest in but yield significant socio-economic benefits for communities and the country at large. The project has deployed over 350 communication towers and is estimated to have benefited over 1.8 million people, most of whom reside in poor and remote communities. It is implemented in partnership with industry associations, which provide both the financial resources and technical expertise necessary for its execution. Specifically, 1.5 percent of the industry's revenues is allocated to finance the project. In addition, the government has made direct investments and approved the use of spectrum auction funds to further support the project's development.

The project has significantly boosted financial inclusion through mobile money and facilitating the efficient delivery of social safety nets such as cash transfers. In the education sector, the project has improved access to online content, supported the retention of teaching staff, and enabled educators to enhance their qualifications using online resources. It has also aided in the delivery of ICT-related subjects in schools.

In the health sector, the project has resulted in benefits such as improved retention of healthcare personnel, enhanced coordination with referral hospitals, and better management of patient records. Farmers have also benefitted from real time extension services as well as market information.

The project is designed with scalability and adaptability in mind. Its successful model—combining strategic public-private partnerships, a dedicated financial structure (with 1.5% of industry revenues allocated to the project), and targeted government investments—addresses critical market failures that hinder equitable access.

https://www.zicta.zm/

• Zambia

• Remote and rural communities

The project is designed with scalability in mind, making it highly adaptable to other sectors of the economy and to different countries around the world. Its core framework addresses a common market failure: private industry tends to invest only in commercially viable areas, leaving underserved regions without essential services.

By leveraging public-private partnerships, the project channels financial resources—such as a dedicated allocation of industry revenues complemented by government support—into areas that would otherwise be neglected. This model not only ensures the deployment of critical infrastructure but also guarantees that quality services reach communities that need them most.

This replicable approach can be applied across various sectors, from healthcare and education to renewable energy, wherever market forces lead to unequal access. By providing a blueprint that promotes equitable access and sustainable development, the project offers a transformative solution to overcome the inherent disparities caused by market-driven investment strategies.

The project ensures its continued expansion by securing ongoing contributions from the industry, with 1.5 percent of industry revenues allocated to sustain new investments and cover operating costs. As the sites reach operational viability, they are gradually handed over to the industry, which helps reduce operational costs for ZICTA and ensures the long-term sustainability of the project. This model fosters a self-sustaining cycle of growth, where industry involvement minimizes dependency on public resources while expanding service reach. for 4 seconds
The project is designed to ensure continuous expansion by leveraging a sustainable funding model. Industry partners contribute 1.5 percent of their revenues, which supports new investments and covers ongoing operating costs. This steady financial commitment not only reinforces the project's growth but also ensures its long-term viability.

As individual sites become financially viable, they are gradually handed over to industry partners. This transition reduces operational and maintenance costs for ZICTA, allowing the authority to focus on strategic oversight and further expansion, while industry takes on the responsibility of managing mature sites.

Bridging the Digital Divide: By extending telecommunication coverage to unserved and underserved areas, the project ensures that remote and economically disadvantaged communities gain access to vital ICT services. This directly aligns with WSIS’s core objective of bridging the digital divide and promoting universal access to information and communication technologies. Inclusive Development: WSIS emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and leaving no one behind. With over 350 communication towers deployed and an estimated 1.8 million people benefiting, the project facilitates access to education, healthcare, financial services (such as mobile money), and social safety nets. Enhancing Access to Information and Knowledge: One of the pillars of the WSIS framework is the free flow of information and access to knowledge. The improved connectivity provided by the project enables communities to access online educational content, health information, market data, and government services. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: The project’s implementation through a partnership between ZICTA and industry players mirrors the WSIS commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement. By leveraging the strengths of both public institutions and private industry, the initiative ensures that technical standards, financial resources, and operational expertise are optimally combined to achieve sustainable outcomes. Catalyst for Socio-Economic Transformation: Improved digital connectivity stimulates economic activities, such as mobile money transactions and e-commerce, while also enhancing public services like education and healthcare. This transformation not only promotes economic growth but also underpins the broader WSIS goal of harnessing ICT for socio-economic development. Support for Sustainable Development: The project also supports broader sustainable development goals by fostering digital literacy, improving service delivery in critical sectors, and encouraging innovation.