Airtel Zambia on Friday introduced OneWeb, a satellite internet service that provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity to all regions of the nation, including underserved rural areas and Copperbelt mining communities.
At the launch, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati noted that Airtel’s OneWeb is a bold and innovative step towards Zambia’s full digital inclusion goal, supporting its Smart Zambia vision and guaranteeing that even the most remote communities, including those vital to the country’s mining industry, have access to top-notch connectivity.
“OneWeb by Airtel is a bold and visionary step toward achieving 100 percent digital inclusion in Zambia. It supports our Smart Zambia vision and ensures even the most remote communities — including those critical to our mining sector — have access to world-class connectivity. We are happy to see innovation happening every so often because that is the only way to keep up with the ever-evolving technology,” said Minister Mutati.
Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday emphasised that OneWeb will enable mining companies to use real-time data, increase worker safety, and improve operational efficiency—even in remote areas where fibre connectivity is not feasible.
Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday stated, “We at Airtel Zambia are proud to be part of the movement that is transforming our country into a smart, connected nation. This launch is a testament to what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the private sector and government. We thank the government for creating an enabling environment for the 3 I’s of innovation, investment, and impact.”
“With OneWeb, mining companies will be able to enhance their operational efficiency, use real-time data, and improve worker safety, even in remote locations where fibre connectivity is impossible,” said Baday.
“For us on the Copperbelt, this launch holds deep significance. As a province that powers the nation through its mining and industrial output, reliable connectivity is not just a convenience — it is a necessity. The people of the Copperbelt are ready to embrace this opportunity, and above all, we are proud to be part of a future where no community is left offline,” Hon. Copperbelt Minister Mr Elisha Matambo added.
Airtel Zambia records 11.1 million customers’ base in 2024
Airtel Zambia had 11.1 million customers as of December 31, 2024 (10.2 million in 2023), of whom 7.5 million (6.8 million in 2023) were data customers, accounting for 67.2 percent of the total customers’ base.
Airtel Zambia posts K7,117 million revenue in 2024
Despite a difficult economic environment, Airtel saw robust revenue growth in the reviewed year, reaching gross revenue of K7,117 million, a 26.2 percent increase over the K5,640 million earned in 2023. In the reviewed year, data revenue increased by 13.8 percent to K2,881 million from K2,532 million in 2023.
The primary driver of the increase in data revenue was a 26.2 percent increase in traffic, which was supported by a 9.6 percent increase in the number of customers using data during the review period.
The total Minutes of Use (MOU) increased by 9.4 percent in 2024 compared to traffic generated in 2023, and voice revenue increased by 36.1 percent to K3,510 million from K2,580 million in 2023.
The main drivers of the 15.9 percent increase in operating profit were robust revenue growth and improved operational efficiencies. Its cost optimisation program, “War on Waste,” was successfully implemented, supporting these gains and mitigating the effects of rising inflation, which closed at 16.7 percent in December 2024 as opposed to 13.1 percent in December 2023.
Profit Before Tax increase by 10.1%
The local currency’s 9 percent depreciation partially offset the 10.1 percent increase in profit before tax (PBT), which saw the Kwacha close the year at K28.1 to $1 from K25.7 to $1 on December 31, 2023. Management keeps using hedging techniques to reduce currency risks because of the continuous volatility of the exchange rate.
Due to increased borrowing costs, finance charges increased to K551 million from K429 million the previous year. The average amount of market debt (which includes term loans and bank overdrafts) dropped from K2,343 million in 2023 to K2,189 million in 2024.
About Airtel
In terms of subscribers, Airtel is one of the top three telecom service providers worldwide. With operations in 16 African and Asian countries, it serves more than 394 million customers. Airtel made the biggest investment in Africa in recent years when it first invested $10.7 billion in the company.