On Friday, Zambia took a bold leap in digital growth by launching a 4G pilot program in Chongwe to enhance connectivity for health and education services.
This initiative promises to transform access to essential digital resources in rural communities, bridging long-standing infrastructure and service delivery gaps.
4G pilot empowers rural health and education
In partnership with IHM Southern Africa, Zambia’s SMART Zambia Institute deployed the 4G wireless network covering key local facilities: Chongwe Rural Health Centre and Chongwe Secondary School.
The network spans a five-kilometre radius, providing high-speed Internet access that supports e-health platforms like SmartCare Pro and digital learning tools for schools.
Percy Chinyama, SMART Zambia National Coordinator, said the project “is transformative for the country’s technology advancement goals” and a model for future connectivity expansions.
Kelvin Sikwibele, CEO of IHM Southern Africa, highlighted that this partnership is essential for “closing connectivity gaps across remote regions,” reinforcing the importance of collaboration to reach underserved areas.
Healthcare workers in Chongwe have already reported streamlined patient record management thanks to reliable Internet access, while educators praise the enriched teaching materials now available through online platforms.
Acting Network Management Director Paison Chikoye added that this innovation will reduce government costs for Internet provision in the public health and education sectors.
The government plans to extend the pilot’s reach to other rural communities, underlining a national commitment to using digital tools to improve service delivery.
This pilot aligns with Zambia’s broader digital transformation ambitions led by the SMART Zambia Institute, the government agency overseeing e-government and ICT initiatives.
Since the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021 began implementation, Zambia has ramped up efforts to digitise public services for improved citizen access.
Such developments come as Zambia also sees telecommunications upgrades from companies like Zamtel, which recently announced plans for 600 new 4G/5G sites nationwide, starting with urban hubs but aiming to bring faster Internet to rural districts.
The Chongwe pilot is a practical example of how technology can directly impact people’s lives through better health care administration and enriched educational opportunities. It is setting the stage for the broader adoption of digital infrastructure across Zambia.
