TELECOMS AND BANKS BACK SCHOOL CONNECTIVITY DRIVE

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Posted by admin on April 16, 2026 at 7:44 AM

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Telecommunications companies and financial institutions have pledged their support to the Ministry of Education in expanding internet connectivity to schools nationwide, marking a major step toward bridging Zambia’s digital divide.

The commitment was made during a School Connectivity partners’ engagement meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka. Stakeholders emphasized that digital access is essential for modern teaching methods and preparing learners for a technology-driven future.

Representatives from Zamtel, Airtel Zambia, MTN, Absa Bank, First National Bank, Stanbic, Standard Chartered Bank, and Zanaco attended the meeting, alongside the Presidential Delivery Unit, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN).

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary – Administration, Ms. Noriana Muneku, expressed gratitude to the organizations, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration. “The power of collaboration has seen classrooms that once had limited resources now introducing learners to digital tools. Teachers are expanding their methods. Learners are gaining access to knowledge that reaches far beyond their immediate environment,” she said.

Ms. Muneku reaffirmed the Ministry’s goal of connecting an additional 2,500 schools to reliable internet services by the end of 2026, noting that digital literacy and computer science are now essential skills under the new curriculum.

Mr. Paison Chikoye, Director of Infrastructure Management at the Smart Zambia Institute, pledged full support to ensure government’s connectivity agenda is achieved. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins Chomba, Director of Universal Access and Service at ZICTA, stressed that no child should be left behind in the digital era.

This united effort between government and the private sector signals a transformative step in empowering Zambia’s learners with the tools they need to thrive in a modern, connected world.