CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE TO LUSAKA

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Movie lovers in Lusaka are being treated to a taste of Chinese cinema following the opening of the three-day Zambia Chinese Film Festival, which is showcasing four films celebrating storytelling, culture and entertainment.

The festival, which runs from November 5 to 7, 2026, opened with a screening of the science-fiction blockbuster The Wandering Earth, bringing together Government officials, diplomats and other distinguished guests for an evening of film and cultural exchange.

The event offers Zambian audiences an opportunity to explore Chinese storytelling through a selection of films spanning science fiction, action, drama and animation.

The four films featured in this year's festival are The Wandering Earth, The Shadow's Edge, Dear You and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said films had a unique ability to cross national boundaries, bridge cultural differences and bring people closer through stories that reflect shared human experiences.

Ambassador Han said the festival was particularly meaningful as China and Africa marked 70 years of diplomatic relations and commemorated 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He said the carefully selected films were intended not only to entertain audiences but also to encourage mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the Chinese and Zambian peoples.

The Ambassador expressed hope that the festival would inspire more regular cultural exchanges and create opportunities for people from both countries to appreciate each other's traditions, values and experiences.

And Minister of Culture and Arts Chris Chibuye said cinema was an important platform for bringing people together and strengthening relationships between different cultures.

Mr Chibuye noted that films allowed audiences to experience different ways of life while encouraging appreciation of cultural diversity.

He also highlighted the wider potential of the creative and cultural industries, saying they could generate employment, stimulate business activities and create new economic opportunities.

The Minister said cooperation between Zambia and China in the creative sector could support the development of local talent through improved infrastructure, skills training and access to financing.

The film, known for its science-fiction storytelling and large-scale visual effects, offered audiences an introduction to China's contemporary film production and its approach to cinematic storytelling.

The festival's other selections promise different entertainment experiences, with The Shadow's Edge bringing action and suspense, Dear You offering a drama-centred story, and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn providing animated entertainment.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival provides an opportunity for audiences to discover the diversity of Chinese cinema and engage with stories produced outside the traditional Hollywood film market.

It also places the spotlight on cinema as a powerful form of cultural expression, allowing filmmakers to communicate ideas, emotions and experiences to audiences across geographical and language barriers.

For Zambia's growing creative industry, the festival further highlights the possibilities for international collaboration in filmmaking, technical skills development, production and distribution.

As the screenings continue until November 7, audiences in Lusaka have an opportunity to experience four Chinese productions while participating in a cultural celebration that brings entertainment and international friendship together.

 MTN MOMO, SHOPRITE LAUNCH PROMOTION TO BOOST DIGITAL PAYMENTS

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – MTN Mobile Money Limited and Shoprite Zambia have partnered to launch the Y’ello Trolley Challenge, a customer promotion aimed at encouraging digital payments while rewarding shoppers with an opportunity to win an instant trolley dash.

The promotion allows customers shopping at any Shoprite store to participate by paying for their purchases using MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), with every qualifying payment providing a chance to win.

The initiative combines retail shopping with mobile financial services, as the two companies seek to make everyday transactions more convenient and rewarding while encouraging wider adoption of cashless payment solutions.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Mobile Money Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr. Komba Malukutila said the promotion reflected the company's commitment to developing digital financial services that deliver practical value to customers.

Mr Malukutila said MTN MoMo was continually exploring ways of making mobile money more relevant to customers by linking digital payment services to their everyday activities.

“At MTN MoMo, we are constantly looking for ways to make digital financial services more relevant and rewarding for our customers. The Y’ello Trolley Challenge combines the convenience of mobile money with an exciting opportunity to win, while encouraging the adoption of secure and convenient digital payments,” he said.

He said partnerships with established retailers such as Shoprite enabled MTN MoMo to extend the benefits of digital financial services to customers through familiar and routine shopping experiences.

Mr Malukutila added that the collaboration was intended to create greater value for customers while making it easier for them to access and use mobile money in their daily transactions.

“By working with trusted partners such as Shoprite, we can bring rewarding experiences directly to customers while making it easier for them to access and use digital payment solutions in their daily activities,” he said.

The partnership reflects the growing intersection between financial technology and the retail sector, where mobile payment platforms are increasingly being integrated into consumer transactions.

For mobile money operators, such collaborations provide an opportunity to increase customer engagement and encourage more people to use digital platforms beyond traditional person-to-person transfers.

Also speaking at the same launch, Shoprite Zambia General Manager Mr. Charles Botha said the collaboration was consistent with the retailer's focus on making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding.

Mr Botha said the Y’ello Trolley Challenge would give customers an opportunity to benefit from an exciting promotion while using a convenient payment option when shopping.

“At Shoprite, we are committed to making shopping convenient, enjoyable and rewarding for our customers. Through this partnership with MTN MoMo, we are providing an exciting opportunity that rewards customers while promoting the use of convenient and secure payment options,” he said.

He said the promotion was designed to strengthen customer engagement and create memorable shopping experiences by connecting everyday purchases with the opportunity to win prizes.

Mr Botha said the retailer was excited to give shoppers an opportunity to experience the thrill of winning an instant trolley dash while carrying out their normal shopping activities.

The Y’ello Trolley Challenge is expected to encourage customers to consider mobile money as a payment option when purchasing groceries and other household essentials at Shoprite outlets.

The initiative also highlights how partnerships between telecommunications companies and retail businesses can support the expansion of digital financial services by making electronic payments more visible and accessible in everyday commercial activities.

As Zambia continues to embrace digital financial solutions, promotions linked to routine consumer spending could help familiarise more shoppers with mobile money payments and encourage regular usage.

However, the long-term contribution of such initiatives to digital financial inclusion will depend on sustained customer participation, ease of transactions and confidence in the security and reliability of payment platforms.

The promotion brings together two established brands in a collaboration that seeks to turn ordinary shopping transactions into rewarding customer experiences while supporting the wider shift towards digital payments.

 ONE SQUARE K IPO OPENS PROPERTY INVESTMENT TO THE PUBLIC AS FOUNDERS TARGET EXPANSION

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Property development company One Square K (OSK) has opened its shareholding to members of the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), providing an opportunity for Zambians to participate in the country's real estate sector as the founders pursue plans to expand their property investment interests.

The offer, which opened on October 26, 2026, allows members of the public to acquire existing shares held by the company's founders, marking a new phase in the development of the property business established in 2018.

However, the transaction is structured as a sale of existing shares rather than the issuance of new shares by One Square K to raise fresh capital directly for the company.

Proceeds from the sale are expected to be channelled through the founders' partnership, K&M, to finance the construction of two additional buildings, one of which has already commenced construction.

The founders intend to offer the two buildings to One Square K at a later stage, potentially expanding the company's property portfolio. However, this remains a proposed arrangement and is not a guaranteed outcome of the IPO.

The share offer was discussed during an investor briefing held at AfricaWorks in Kabulonga, Lusaka, where company representatives and property-sector stakeholders outlined the investment opportunity, the company's development journey and the prospects within Zambia's real estate market.

One Square K Managing Director and Co-Founder Mafipe Chunga said the company's establishment in 2018 followed a decision he and his wife made during a dinner conversation, which eventually changed the direction of their careers.

Mr Chunga explained that the idea behind the business was to develop practical and affordable living spaces, particularly for young working professionals seeking accommodation that meets their needs and financial circumstances.

He said the company started with the backing of 14 investors and had since developed into a property venture that was now opening share ownership to the wider public.

The IPO represents an opportunity for the founders to broaden participation in the business while providing prospective investors with exposure to the property development sector.

The development also comes against the backdrop of continued demand for housing in Zambia, particularly in the affordable and middle-market segments, where the cost and availability of suitable accommodation remain important considerations for working households.

Pam Golding Properties Zambia owner Inutu Zaloumis said the country continued to experience a significant gap between available housing and the accommodation requirements of its growing population.

                                                 Ms. Inutu Zaloumis

Ms Zaloumis observed that the housing market needed developers who understood the financial realities of prospective tenants and homeowners, rather than concentrating only on high-end developments.

She said housing was not simply about providing shelter but also about creating living conditions that could support people's productivity, wellbeing and quality of life.

“What we have seen is that when people live in accommodation that is less stressful, they are more productive and efficient,” Ms Zaloumis said.

Her remarks highlighted the economic and social importance of affordable housing, particularly for young professionals and households whose income levels may limit their access to suitable accommodation.

For property developers, the demand creates opportunities to invest in housing products that respond to the purchasing power of the market while maintaining commercially sustainable business models.

Ms Zaloumis said equity financing offered an alternative avenue for businesses seeking to support growth, while the Lusaka Securities Exchange provided a platform through which companies could access patient capital and members of the public could participate in investment opportunities.

However, the structure of the One Square K offer is important for prospective shareholders to understand. Since the IPO involves the sale of existing founder-held shares, the proceeds are not being raised directly by One Square K as new equity capital.

Instead, the founders intend to use the proceeds through K&M to support the construction of the two additional buildings. Their plan is to offer the properties to One Square K at a later stage, subject to the proposed arrangement.

This distinction is significant because investors should not automatically assume that the proceeds will immediately appear as new capital on the company's balance sheet or that the planned buildings will become part of its portfolio.

Meanwhile, delivering the vote of thanks at the briefing, One Square K representative Chisola Machai, speaking on behalf of Chief Financial Officer Joseph Chisanga, acknowledged the institutions and individuals who contributed towards bringing the IPO to fruition.

                                                    Ms. Chisola Machai

Ms Machai thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, the Lusaka Securities Exchange, professional advisers, the company's board, management and staff for their support throughout the process.

Ms Machai encouraged interested members of the public to contact the company's Investor Relations team for further information about the share offer.

Despite the opportunities presented by the IPO, prospective investors have been urged to understand the risks associated with acquiring shares before making investment decisions.

Another consideration is liquidity, particularly because shares traded on the Alternative Market (Alt-M) may not always be easy to sell when an investor wants to exit. This means shareholders may have to wait for buyers or accept a lower price when seeking to dispose of their shares.

The approved Prospectus therefore remains an important document for anyone considering participation in the offer. It contains detailed information on the share sale, the proposed use of proceeds, the company's plans and the risks associated with the investment.

As One Square K opens its ownership to the public, the offer places a spotlight on the potential role of capital markets in widening participation in property investment.

Its longer-term significance, however, will depend not only on public uptake of the shares but also on the company's ability to execute its business plans, respond to housing demand and translate the proposed property expansion into sustainable value for shareholders.

 EU INVESTS €268,000 IN ZAMBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY TO STRENGTHEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

By Alain Kabinda

The European Union (EU), through the People in Need-led Local Empowerment and Development Civil Society (LEADs) Programme, has invested more than €268,000 (approximately K6.1 million) in civil society organisations in Zambia to strengthen citizen participation, research, advocacy and accountability.

Speaking during the grant award ceremony, People in Need Country Director Ms. Stefania Lagonigro  said the initiative was aimed at empowering civil society organisations to take an active role in addressing community challenges and contributing to Zambia's economic development and transformation.

Ms Lagonigro said that this programme recognised that meaningful and sustainable development could not be achieved through institutions alone, but required active citizens and organised communities.

The LEADs Programme, implemented with support from the European Union and in partnership with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), seeks to strengthen local organisations through research, advocacy, citizen engagement and accountability initiatives.

She also said that the programme was designed to go beyond traditional capacity-building by giving organisations opportunities to implement ideas, generate evidence, influence policies and engage both citizens and public institutions.

"What excites me most is not the amount of funding, but what this funding makes possible," Ms. Lagonigro said.

The grants are expected to support research capable of informing national policies, promote joint initiatives involving civil society organisations, Government, the private sector and the media, and strengthen networks and collaboration among local actors.

Ms. Lagonigro added that civil society organisations played an important role in amplifying community voices, engaging decision-makers and holding institutions accountable while working with them to achieve development outcomes.

This initiative also recognises civil society organisations and communities as important actors in Zambia's economic development and transformation, including contributing to the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

She further expressed appreciation to the Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, for recognising the importance of working with civil society to deliver meaningful change in communities.

And speaking at the same FSTP Grant award ceremony,Ministry of Community Development and Social Protection Acting Director Mr. Aaron Phiri  representing Minster Ms Beatrice Chilomo said the initiative would help address challenges faced by civil society organisations, including limited access to information, inadequate opportunities for constructive dialogue and capacity-building programmes that are often project-based and one-size-fits-all.

Ms. Chilomo said government recognised that sustainable development could not be achieved by government alone but required partnerships with non-governmental organisations, the private sector, development partners and communities.

“Policies and programmes can only deliver for the people they are meant to serve if we ensure that communities and civil society are involved and engaged in their design, not only during implementation,” Ms. Chilomo said.

The project will support organisations through three funding themes: research grants, consortium grants and organisation-specific support for policy engagement and advocacy.

Ms. Chilomo also urged grant recipients to use the resources to generate credible evidence, build partnerships and engage government constructively to improve programme delivery.

“Evidence is the foundation of good policy. Your research and policy analysis will help government understand what is working, what is not, and who is left behind,” the Ms. Chiolom said.

The initiative comes as Zambia concludes the Eighth National Development Plan and prepares the Ninth National Development Plan, with government seeking the participation of communities, civil society organisations, the private sector and cooperating partners in shaping national priorities.

Ms. Chilomo added that stronger and better-coordinated civil society organisations would make public participation in national development planning more meaningful.

The project also aligns with the European Union's Civil Society and Development Programme for Zambia, which recognises civil society as a strategic partner in promoting sustainable development.

Government has committed to maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organisations, strengthening consultations and dialogue, and considering evidence and recommendations generated through the project when designing and reviewing policies and programmes.

She further called on development partners to continue providing mentorship and follow-up support to grant recipients to ensure that lessons from the initiative inform policy-making and wider civil society engagement.

Civil society organisations were also encouraged to use the grants responsibly, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that the voices of women, young people and marginalised communities are reflected in decisions affecting their welfare.

Meanwhile European Union Team Leader for Governance , Social Sectors and critical Raw Materials Ms. Maria Horno Comet said the initiative had already strengthened the management, advocacy and social accountability capacities of 31 civil society organisations and local networks.

Ms. Comet said the latest grant awards would enable selected organisations to undertake activities across different thematic areas, while strengthening the voices of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

“Civil society is an indispensable partner in enhancing democratic values. It makes essential contributions to accountability, transparency, justice and citizen participation,” Ms. Comet said.

She also said that the organisations had been selected through a competitive, open and transparent process, urging them to implement their projects with integrity, inclusiveness and accountability.

She further encouraged the beneficiaries to build partnerships, networks and consortiums to increase their impact and strengthen collective advocacy.

The funding forms part of the EU's broader support for civil society in Zambia, covering governance, access to justice, climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, women's and children's rights, and disability inclusion.

Among the beneficiaries recognised for their development leadership were the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ), which received three awards, and the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), which received one award.

And receiving an award on behalf NAQEZ was Mr. Aaron Chansa and CLRI was Mr. Edward Moode.

The recognition reflects the contribution of civil society organisations to advancing development through research, advocacy, policy engagement and community-focused initiatives.

This investment initiative programme seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation of local communities and civil society in development, policy reform, accountability, transparency and inclusion.

 

 AIRTEL COMMITS US$100 MILLION TO ZAMBIA INVESTMENT, PROPOSES 10 MILLION SMARTPHONES

By Alain kabinda

LUSAKA – Airtel Zambia has committed to invest a further US$100 million in the country this year and proposed a national initiative to make 10 million additional smartphones available over the next five years to accelerate digital inclusion and economic growth.

The investment commitment comes as the telecommunications company seeks to expand network infrastructure, improve service quality and support the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda, which aims to double the economy within the next five years.

Speaking during a Grow Zambia Breakfast Meeting hosted at Airtel Zambia Airtel Zambia Managing Director Mr. Hussam Baday said the company had invested more than US$100 million in the previous year and was targeting a similar amount in the current year.

                                                    Mr. Hussam Baday

Mr Baday said the investments would support network expansion and other infrastructure development, particularly as demand for reliable connectivity and digital services continued to grow.

He said Airtel's population coverage currently stood at approximately 93 per cent, with the company targeting 96 per cent within two years through further expansion, particularly in rural areas.

He disclosed that approximately 20 per cent of Airtel's network sites were 5G-enabled, with plans to extend coverage and increase network capacity.

Mr Baday said the company's contribution to the economy went beyond telecommunications, as digital connectivity supported productivity and business growth across agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, financial services and tourism.

He identified affordable smartphones as one of the major barriers preventing citizens from fully benefiting from expanding broadband infrastructure.

Citing figures attributed to the latest Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority report, Mr Baday said Zambia had approximately 27 million telecommunications connections, of which about 12.4 million were smartphones.

He warned that maintaining the existing annual growth rate of approximately three percentage points would only raise penetration to about 60 per cent within five years, leaving a significant gap against the country's digital inclusion ambitions.

Mr Baday therefore proposed a coordinated effort involving Government, mobile network operators, financial institutions and development partners to make 10 million additional smartphones available over the next five years.

He suggested that the initiative could include making entry-level devices more affordable through consideration of tax-related measures, expanding device-financing arrangements and developing targeted programmes for low-income households, farmers and women in rural communities.

He said affordable smartphones should be treated as part of the country's digital infrastructure alongside telecommunications towers and broadband networks.

Mr. Baday also highlighted opportunities to deepen financial inclusion, noting that although national financial inclusion stood at approximately 80 per cent, access in rural areas remained significantly lower, at around 22 per cent.

He said expanding mobile money and digital financial services could help underserved communities access financial opportunities and participate more effectively in the economy.

Mr Baday said Airtel was working with UNICEF to connect 300 schools, with plans to increase the number to 500 by the end of the financial year.

He also expressed the company's readiness to support Government's digital transformation through integration with platforms such as ZamPortal and the Government Service Bus.

Meanwhile, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati commended Airtel for its investment in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly the deployment of 407 towers during the previous year.

                                                                 Mr. Felix Mutati

Mr Mutati described the achievement as the highest number of telecommunications towers delivered in Zambia in a single year and acknowledged the company's increased tax contribution to Government revenue.

He, however, called on telecommunications operators to strengthen collaboration in developing shared infrastructure and expanding the overall market, while maintaining competition in service quality.

The Minister said competition had contributed to increased network coverage, investment and the introduction of technologies such as 5G, but collaboration was necessary to accelerate the country's digital transformation.

He stressed that the ambition of increasing broadband access to 80 per cent within five years needed to be matched by efforts to ensure that citizens could afford smartphones.

Mr Mutati said access to affordable devices would enable more people to use digital Government services, including online payment platforms, and participate in the wider digital economy.

He urged telecommunications operators to align their investment plans with national development priorities, saying the sector had a critical role in supporting economic growth, employment and productivity.

 ZAMBIA, GERMANY SEEK ICT INVESTMENT TO DRIVE US$65 BILLION ECONOMY

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA – Zambia is seeking to attract increased investment from German technology companies through stronger business partnerships aimed at accelerating digital transformation and supporting the Government's ambition of growing the economy to US$65 billion.

The push was highlighted at the Zambia–Germany ICT Business Forum, which brought together Government officials, German business delegates, representatives of the Government of Saxony and investment promotion agencies to explore opportunities in information and communication technology (ICT).

The forum focused on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, data management and the development of Zambia's digital economy.

Speaking during the forum engagement Ministry of Technology and Science Minister Mr. Felix Mutati said ICT investment is critical to achieving the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to double the country's economy to US$65 billion over the next five years.

Mr. Mutati said digital technology was no longer confined to the telecommunications industry but had become an important driver of productivity across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, commerce and public administration.

He said achieving the economic growth ambition would require stronger national connectivity, improved public service delivery and expanded opportunities for citizens, particularly those in rural communities.

Mr. Mutati also identified five priority areas for digital transformation: trusted digital identity, interoperability, intelligence through data and artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and inclusivity.

He said a trusted digital identity system would improve the delivery of public services by reducing duplication, repeated verification and wastage while ensuring that benefits reached eligible citizens.

Mr. Mutati said Government institutions needed integrated systems that could exchange information, allowing citizens and businesses to access multiple services without repeatedly submitting the same documents.

He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and scientific research to improve productivity, citing the application of AI in mineral exploration, including developments associated with the Mingomba copper project.

Mr. Mutati said Zambia was also prioritising digital infrastructure, revealing that the country's fibre-optic network had expanded from approximately 15,000 kilometres when the current administration assumed office to about 45,000 kilometres by the end of the previous year.

He called for further investment in mobile network coverage, fibre connectivity and reliable infrastructure to ensure that underserved communities were not excluded from the digital economy.

The Minister also identified the cost of smartphones as a barrier to digital inclusion and called for collaboration to make devices more affordable.

Mr. Mutati challenged participants to translate discussions into actual investment transactions, joint ventures and partnerships.

He called for cooperation guided by the principle of Ubuntu, emphasising that the economic progress of Zambia and its international partners should be mutually beneficial.

The Minister urged participants to ensure that tangible progress was achieved within four weeks, including partnerships and transactions that could be reported to the President.

And German Ambassador to Zambia Soenke Siemon reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Zambia's digital transformation, highlighting existing cooperation in public financial management, revenue administration and business regulation.

He cited Germany's support towards the provision of a business intelligence data warehouse for the Zambia Revenue Authority to facilitate the integration of internal data.

Other areas of cooperation include support for a digital revenue management system in Choma and beneficial ownership reforms at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency.

Mr Siemon said the private sector was central to developing the ICT industry, noting that German companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, had considerable experience and technological expertise that could benefit Zambia.

He encouraged Zambian businesses to establish partnerships with German companies, especially those from Saxony, to promote technology transfer, innovation and investment.

Meanwhile, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Mr. Halbert Halwampa said the forum demonstrated growing international interest in Zambia as an investment destination for technology and innovation.

Mr. Halwampa said ZDA had digitised its investment facilitation services, enabling foreign investors to apply for investment licences online without travelling to Zambia or submitting physical applications.

He said applications could be processed within hours, demonstrating how digital systems were reducing administrative barriers and improving the investment environment.

He identified policy stability, Government commitment to investment promotion, evidence-based policymaking and macroeconomic stability as important factors supporting Zambia's investment attractiveness.

However, Mr Halwampa acknowledged that access to finance and achieving financial closure remained challenges for investors.

Also, ZDA had introduced the Zambia Investment Deal Room, a digital platform designed to connect investors with potential financiers in sectors including ICT, energy, mining and agriculture.

The platform provides an opportunity for investors and financiers to engage, structure transactions and explore funding arrangements for investment projects.

Mr Halwampa also highlighted investment incentives available in the ICT sector, particularly opportunities relating to data centre development, and assured German investors of ZDA's support in accessing applicable incentives.

Representing the Government of Saxony, Marcus Franke said international partnerships were most effective when they produced practical business outcomes and opportunities for communities.

Mr. Franke highlighted the role of entrepreneurs and business leaders in strengthening cooperation between Zambia and Germany, saying private-sector initiatives could generate investment opportunities and economic benefits.

He also identified Zambia's potential to serve as a regional business and technology hub for Southern Africa.

Mr Franke expressed optimism that the partnership would create new opportunities for businesses in both countries based on equality and shared development objectives.

The Zambia–Germany ICT Business Forum comes at a time when digital infrastructure, data services, artificial intelligence and technology-driven businesses are becoming increasingly important to economic competitiveness.

For Zambia, attracting German investment could support the development of digital infrastructure, strengthen local technology businesses, improve public administration and create opportunities for skills development and employment.

The success of the engagement will ultimately depend on translating the business discussions into actual investments, technology transfer and sustainable partnerships that contribute to the country's US$65 billion economic ambition.

 AIRTEL ZAMBIA MD HUSSAM BADAY WINS CX STRATEGIC LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

LUSAKA – Airtel Zambia Managing Director Hussam Baday has been recognised as CX Strategic Leader of the Year at the 2026 Customer Experience Excellence Awards, highlighting the growing importance of customer experience in the telecommunications industry.

The award recognises Mr Baday's leadership in advancing customer experience and strengthening the focus on customer-centred service delivery within the telecommunications sector.

The recognition also places the spotlight on Airtel Zambia's efforts to improve how customers interact with its products and services in an increasingly competitive and digitally driven telecommunications market.

Customer experience has become an important differentiating factor among telecommunications companies as consumers increasingly expect reliable connectivity, accessible digital platforms, responsive customer support and convenient service delivery.

The recognition of Mr Baday at the 2026 Customer Experience Excellence Awards comes at a time when the telecommunications industry is experiencing rapid technological changes, with digital services and mobile connectivity playing an increasingly important role in business operations and everyday life.

The award highlights the importance of strategic leadership in ensuring that customer satisfaction remains central to business growth, innovation and service delivery.

As Zambia's telecommunications market continues to evolve, customer experience is expected to remain a key consideration in attracting and retaining subscribers, building consumer confidence and strengthening brand competitiveness.

Mr Baday's recognition therefore provides an opportunity to highlight the role of leadership in shaping customer-focused business strategies and supporting the continued development of Zambia's digital economy.