Airtel Business partners with ZICB to support SMEs with Digital Connectivity  

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Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) has today signed an agreement with Airtel Business to provide digital connectivity via 4G and 5G internet devices to the bank's SME customers.

Speaking at the partnership signing in Lusaka today at Airtel Head Office, Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank Limited (ZICB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Louis Kabula said the Bank supports the growth of local wealth by offering an innovative digital value proposition to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and corporate clients.

"Through various collaborations and partnerships, ZICB has developed a comprehensive digital banking platform that promotes capital management efficiency and business convenience for our clients. One of our core values is to lower the cost of doing business in Zambia, particularly for SMEs who, by their nature, handle the largest number of low-margin commercial transactions in our economy. Therefore, we are excited to partner with Airtel Business to provide digital connectivity that will allow our customers to conduct their business more efficiently” Dr. Kabula said.

Adding: “We appeal to our customers to take advantage of our partnership with Airtel Business so they can enjoy the full range of ZICB’s digital banking products and services.”

And speaking on behalf of Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, Airtel Business Director, Ms Lindiwe Banda said the World had gone digital more especially after the Covid pandemic where small and medium businesses had to look at other ways to still do their business and still connect with their banks. 

“We are firm believers that when great companies come together, great things happen. And this is testament of our memorandum of understanding that we have signed today with ZICB as this agreement will enable SMEs banking with ZICB to easily access internet banking services in the comfort of their business premises or even home. This is a significant milestone for us as we witness the evolution of technology and how it is now helping us create strategic partnerships.,” Ms Banda said.

Adding: “What is important to note is that the Airtel devices will come at no cost to the SME as they will only need to sign a contract of activating monthly bundles thus empowering the businesses and making it easy for them to do any online invoicing and keep record of their transactions.”

The partnership aims to continuously support the digital transformation of SMEs in Zambia. Airtel and ZICB plan to explore further collaborative opportunities to introduce innovative solutions and drive sustained economic growth.