Bayobab Zambia is positioning itself as a leading fibre company in Zambia and its region, boasting over 7,100 kilometres of fibre infrastructure nationwide. Bayobab Zambia is one of the largest fibre infrastructure companies in the country, establishing a cornerstone for reliable and accessible telecommunications services.
The successful integration of all fibre assets from MTN Zambia marks a significant milestone in Zambia's telecommunications sector for Bayobab Zambia, aligning with MTN Group's initiative to structurally separate fibre assets across its markets under Ambition 2025.
Under the leadership of Managing Director Lillian Mutwalo, Bayobab Zambia emphasises its commitment to ensuring everyone has access to modern connectivity solutions and has done so by establishing unique international cross border interconnections to Angola, via Chavuma and Malawi via Lundazi of which Bayobab Zambia was first to market.
The company has successfully interconnected with seven neighbouring countries, including Angola, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo lay These interconnections lay the groundwork for Zambia to emerge as a major digital hub in southern Africa.
Moreover, Bayobab Zambia's recent acquisition of an International Network Licence from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) is a significant breakthrough for fibre expansion. With Zambia's population exceeding 19 million and continuing to grow, there's an increased demand for reliable telecommunications services, driving the need for such expansion. The licence authorises the transit of capacity across borders, bolstering Bayobab Zambia's position as a key player in transforming Zambia into the digital hub of Southern Africa.
Frédéric Schepens, CEO of the Bayobab Group, expressed his excitement in Q2 2023, highlighting the potential for businesses, individuals, and communities to thrive in the digital era with access to our fibre network.
Bayobab Zambia's strategic initiatives underscore the company's commitment to excellence and its ability to connect people and businesses globally, fuelling innovation, collaboration, and economic growth within Zambia and beyond.
As the company expands its network and capabilities further, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Zambia's digital future, driving social and economic progress for years to come.
This commitment aligns with several developments aimed at improving access and usage of ICTs in Zambia. Notably, increased investment in ICT-related infrastructure by both the Government through the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF) and private sector initiatives has led to enhanced coverage and quality of ICT services.
The Eight National Development Plan (8NDP), developed in 2022, identifies ICTs as key enablers of economic transformation, acknowledging challenges such as limited infrastructure, low digital skills, and restricted access to ICT devices. The plan emphasises the need to address these challenges to unlock the full potential of ICTs in driving economic growth and societal development, with the National ICT Survey providing evidence to inform targeted interventions in the sector.
Bayobab Zambia is among the nine fibre companies within the Bayobab Group, collectively incorporated to bolster fibre expansion across the continent. Bayobab is present in ten locations, spanning Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and Chad, with dedicated Customer Success Centres in Kenya and Ghana.
Bayobab Zambia plays a pivotal role in the strategic endeavour to rollout 135,000km of proprietary fibre by 2025, working closely with local regulators and customers alike. Throughout our ecosystem, Bayobab remains committed to connecting Africa across its footprint, ensuring seamless connectivity and fostering economic growth.
