Investment in technology infrastructure will unlock rural development, says MTN Zambia’s CEO Charles Molapisi

Government welcomes the continued support it is receiving from investors that are rolling out technology to empower rural communities and promote the advancement of the digital economy. Speaking during the launch of a communication tower in Chikalaba Village of Petauke District, Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu says rural communities are also a priority in the achievement of the objectives set out in the Vision 2030 of Zambia becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030.

He noted that Zambia’s advances in technology has been to the exclusion of rural communities and that investment in the sector would help to address the digital, financial and information gap between rural and urban communities.

“We believe there is an urget need to implement this agenda and vision in order to promote innovation and a knowledge-based economy for the country. We cannot afford to fall behind in this competitive global knowledge economy if the country is to attain a prosperous and global competitive knowledge based developed country. There is therefore need to harness our capabilities, partnership and opportunities,” he adds.

And MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer Charles Molapisi says that the company will continue supporting government efforts by providing rural communities with network investment towards a faster network, data access and financial inclusion.

Molapisi says the company will continue investing in a superior customer experience through affordable data, access to financial solutions and better coverage countrywide. He said the launch of the tower was one of six sites that have been upgraded to 3G across the country.

“As a company we are delighted and humbled by the huge steps that our customers are taking in making MTN the number one network both in internet and mobile money service. We have made a commitment to our subscribers to continue improving our network and the launch of this tower in Chikalaba village highlights our dedication to delivering the best experience to our customers countrywide,” he says.

He further says that MTN has been investing in network improvement to ensure that subscribers were not left out in the telecom leader’s drive towards financial inclusion and access to technology. This was in addition to integration of the MTN Mobile Money platform with partners such as commercial banks in order to provide a seamless customer experience but also simplified financial access for all Zambians.

Molapisi notes that the company has continued to work closely with partners in the financial sector to help in increasing financial literacy for the unbanked population through a simple, efficient and nationwide platform.

“It is our hope to see that access to financial services is no longer a hindrance but a catalyst for enterprise, job creation and economic empowerment in the country,” he adds.