The 5G network is to be launched in Zambia on 24th November with MTN Zambia, the government has announced.

Next week’s launch was confirmed by the country’s technology and science minister, Felix Mutati, in Lusaka during the Innovation Africa Summit, who said the 5G technology would boost Zambia’s digital transformation. 

“Because of the positive things that we are doing, next week, working with MTN, we are going to launch 5G on 24th November. Creating a positive experience for customers, creating the necessary speed, and making Zambia truly in the champions league,” he stated.

The minister added that Zambia’s government is focused on making mobile network services accessible to everyone in the country and at an affordable price by making sure that the cost of ICT infrastructure is lowered, Lusaka Times reports. 

Mutati went on to add that Zambia has immense potential to compete in the technology sector with other nations. 

He added that the country is boosting its international recognition, as seen by hosting international events such as the Innovation Africa Summit. 

Mutati also said the government is aware of the challenges being faced by young innovators and said several initiatives are in the pipeline to overcome these obstacles, supported by the private sector and other stakeholders. 

“We are now working on a start-up bill, which we will present to parliament to be able to introduce a venture capital fund to deal with issues around funding,” he added.

Zambia is currently hosting the 10th edition of the Innovation Africa Summit, which has attracted more than 300 delegates from Africa and beyond.