A quiet revolution is underway in the heart of Mpongwe District, as the Zambian government, in a concerted effort to bridge the nation’s digital divide, officially launched a new communication tower in Kalunkumya village. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Technology and Science in collaboration with the Zambia Information and Communications Authority (ZICTA), promises to dramatically improve network connectivity and unlock a raft of opportunities for the predominantly agricultural region.
Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, speaking at the unveiling ceremony, underscored the profound impact the new infrastructure is set to have. “We are not only connecting people, but also their aspirations, knowledge, and future opportunities,” Mutati declared.
The minister highlighted Mpongwe’s strategic importance as a significant contributor to Zambia’s national food basket. He emphasised that enhanced connectivity would serve as a powerful catalyst for agricultural productivity, providing farmers with crucial access to vital information, streamlined market platforms, and innovative digital extension services. Furthermore, Mutati noted that the tower would bolster transparency and efficiency within key government programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme and the social cash transfer scheme.
Beyond the immediate benefits for the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Technology and Science’s social media updates indicate that the tower is poised to ignite the local economy, significantly improve emergency response capabilities through rapid communication, and drive digital financial inclusion, embracing the convenience of mobile banking and e-payments.
Collins Mbulo, director general of ZICTA, echoed the minister’s sentiments, framing the new infrastructure as a strategic investment in a sustainable ecosystem of digital inclusion. “We are investing in a sustainable ecosystem of digital inclusion, one that also addresses the need for devices, digital literacy, and online safety,” Mbulo stated.
He further elaborated on ZICTA’s commitment to fostering responsible digital citizenship, particularly among the nation’s youth. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Education to support platforms such as the digital curriculum initiative, and we continue to champion safe and responsible digital citizenship, especially among children and youth,” Mbulo affirmed, signaling a comprehensive approach to ensuring that the benefits of connectivity are realised safely and effectively across all segments of society. The Kalunkumya tower stands as a beacon of progress, promising to usher in a new era of opportunity for the people of Mpongwe.
