ZAMBIA ATTRACTS $54 MILLION INVESTMENTS IN THE ICT SECTOR

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that Zambia has attracted over $54 million in the Information and Communication Technology-ICT- sector, following the waiver of taxes on importation of ICT equipment.

Speaking when a delegation from the Xommon Market for Eastern and Southern Africa-COMESA- paid a courtesy call on him, Mr. Mutati disclosed that Zambia will be connected by optic fibre to all of its eight neighbouring countries by next month.

He says Starlink, which came in last year with 100 kits, has now increased to 11,000 kits to enhance connectivity while 379 communication towers will be constructed countrywide to increase access to phone network.

And Mr. Mutati says the reduction in courier service fees by his ministry has resulted in an increase of business from 40 courier companies to 120 companies, who courier by motorcycles.

Meanwhile, COMESA director for information and communication technology, Lanka Dorby says Zambia is being assessed for the setting up of the Cloud Africa ecosystem and headquarters, as one of the top 10 ICT sector performers on the continent.

By Michael Kaluba

PHOENIX NEWS