MTN Zambia Launches AppJoy to Drive Digital Inclusion

By Daily news reporter

Zambia’s digital transformation journey has taken another decisive step forward with the launch of MTN Zambia’s AppJoy application, a platform designed to accelerate digital inclusion, expand access to affordable services, and empower citizens to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.

At the launch, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, commended MTN Zambia, Huawei, and other partners for their leadership and collaboration. He emphasized that digital inclusion is not a journey any single institution can undertake alone.

“Government, the private sector, and development partners must work together to close both the access and usage gaps,” Mutati said.

“It is encouraging to witness this partnership in action through initiatives such as AppJoy, which bring practical and inclusive solutions to our people.”

Mutati also appealed to media and digital influencers to help raise awareness and build trust in digital services, noting that Zambia’s digital literacy levels remain below 30 percent. The government’s ambition is clear: to connect 80 percent of the population with digital access and literacy and onboard 20 percent into the digital economy.

MTN Zambia CEO Abbad Reda described the launch as a bold step toward ensuring every Zambian can participate fully in the digital world.

“Digital inclusion is a cornerstone of national development,” Reda said.

“It enables individuals and communities—regardless of income, location, or digital experience—to access affordable, reliable technology and the skills to use it effectively.”

He highlighted MTN’s earlier success with the Alola 4G smartphone, which introduced more than 100,000 Zambians—many first-time internet users—into the digital world. AppJoy builds on this progress, offering entertainment, gaming, cloud storage, and secure digital access in one safe and engaging environment.

Huawei Vice President Alex Xing praised the launch as a global milestone and reaffirmed Huawei’s long-standing commitment to Zambia’s digital inclusion agenda.

“For over two decades, Huawei has aligned its mission with Zambia’s vision for digital inclusion,” Xing said. “From rural connectivity projects and digital villages to national data centres and ICT talent development, our focus has remained on ensuring that digital services are accessible to all.”

Huawei’s collaboration with MTN Zambia has spanned the rollout of 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, demonstrating the power of shared vision and innovation. Xing noted that AppJoy represents a practical response to barriers such as high device costs, combining locally relevant content with reliable infrastructure to ensure meaningful participation.

For a student in a rural area, a farmer, a market trader, or a small-scale artisan, AppJoy offers equal access to information, skills, and markets. It represents a future where every Zambian can learn, transact, connect, and dream bigger.

As Minister Mutati concluded, “Digital transformation is about people. It is about creating equal opportunities and improving livelihoods. AppJoy is a step toward that future.”