Mobile network operator Airtel Zambia is investing $107-million in nationwide network upgrades aimed at improving quality of service, expanding coverage and strengthening the resilience of its infrastructure.

The investment was highlighted during inspections by Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati at the Nyumba Yanga Tower and the Chalala (Shantumbu) site in Lusaka, as part of government engagement with mobile network operators to address public concerns over network reliability.

Mutati said public feedback relating to dropped calls and service quality had informed discussions between government and Airtel.

“Many Zambians have raised concerns about dropped calls and quality of service. We engaged Airtel on these issues, and today we are seeing that commitment translated into action,” he said.

He welcomed Airtel’s $107-million investment, which will support the upgrade and rollout of more than 400 network sites across the country, describing it as a significant step towards improving service quality and expanding connectivity.

“This investment will not only improve quality of service but will also connect more people and enable broader participation in the digital economy,” Mutati said.

The Minister also pointed to measures implemented by government to fast-track the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, including the removal of lengthy environmental approval requirements that had previously delayed tower construction.

“Government has taken a deliberate decision to fast-track telecom infrastructure development. We do not want investment capital sitting idle; we want it deployed on the ground to deliver services to our people,” he said.

Airtel Zambia MD Hussam Baday reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustained investment in network quality and resilience.

“We are investing to improve quality of service, expand coverage, and strengthen the resilience of our sites. We have listened to our customers, and by the end of March, all sites under this programme will be fully upgraded and operational,” Baday said.