At a Glance
- Ericsson opens a Lusaka office to boost telecom infrastructure and digital services.
- Expansion supports Zambia’s 5G readiness and National Digital Transformation Strategy.
- Initiative includes network upgrades, local talent development, and rural connectivity.
Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications and networking company, is expanding its presence in Africa with the opening of a new office in Lusaka, Zambia.
The move comes as demand for mobile connectivity and digital services rises across Southern Africa, and Zambia advances efforts to strengthen its digital economy.
The Lusaka hub aligns with Zambia’s National Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2027, a government plan aimed at broadening broadband access, enhancing 5G readiness, and improving digital infrastructure across the country.
Officials said the office is expected to support operators in modernizing networks and increasing access to mobile internet for both urban and rural communities.
Government and industry leaders attend launch
The inauguration attracted senior government and diplomatic figures, including Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati and Swedish Ambassador Johan Hallenborg.
Alain Maupin, Ericsson’s Vice President for East and North Africa, also attended. Their presence underscored Zambia’s growing importance in the region’s telecom sector.
“Ericsson’s expansion complements our efforts to improve connectivity in underserved areas,” Mutati said. He emphasized that stronger networks are essential for financial inclusion, e-commerce growth, and access to public digital services.
Hallenborg highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Sweden and Zambia, calling the office a symbol of both nations’ commitment to sustainable innovation.
Investing in technology and talent
Ericsson said the Lusaka office will support collaboration with local operators and technology partners, offering upgraded network solutions, cloud-based systems, and energy-efficient equipment. The company also plans to invest in local talent development to strengthen Zambia’s technology workforce and advance digital inclusion.
Maupin noted that the office will help operators expand 4G coverage and prepare for future 5G deployments.
Ericsson has worked in Zambia for nearly 20 years, assisting operators in scaling services for millions of subscribers. Globally, Ericsson equipment supports more than 1,000 networks across 180 countries, carrying over 40% of worldwide mobile traffic.
As Africa’s appetite for reliable, high-performance connectivity grows, Ericsson said its integrated solutions including radio networks, cloud software, and digital services remain central to its strategy in the region.
