Our Company

ZAMTEL is a key player in Zambia’s telecommunications landscape. It is wholly owned by the government of the Republic of Zambia through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). As a digital services provider, Zamtel is at the heart of how Zambians, work, live and do business. Established in 1913, we have been at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, committed to providing reliable and cutting-edge communication solutions to individuals and businesses across the country. Ours is a commitment to bridge the gap between people and technology, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity. We aim to deliver exceptional service, innovative products and comprehensive solutions that empower our customers to stay connected and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Our Promise

Promises are easy to make. Everyone makes them, sometimes without giving it a second thought. Keeping them is a bit more of a challenge.

So our first promise to you is - We will keep our promises.

We commit to continuously give you the communication tools you need to help you live a more connected life.

We promise affordable communication to meet your needs.

We commit to continuously improve our network and grow through connectivity.

Finally, we commit to make your needs our first priority. We are here for you.

The History Of Zamtel

Since 1913 when the first analogue exchange was installed in Livingstone, Zamtel has gone through various phases and milestones including the following:

In 1913 – The first manual telephone exchange was installed in today’s tourist capital, Livingstone.

1931 - Gentex - a network of tele-printers connecting telegraph offices was introduced between Livingstone and Bulawayo.

1958 - Telex service - a network of teleprinters between private subscribers was introduced in Zambia, starting with only 11 subscribers. This service was later expanded along the line of rail, and connected to Zimbabwe, Bostwana and South Africa.

1964 - Radio telegraph service between Zambia and Kenya was launched

1974 - Mwembeshi Earth Station was built: National and International calls would pass via the Intelsat Standard “A” type Mwembeshi Earth Station.

1975 - Post and Telecommunication Corporation (PTC) was formed from the General Post Office (GPO).

1981 - 23rd October, Digital microwave link between Chipata and Lusaka to replace copper cables was launched by the former Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

1994 - Post and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) was split into two separate entities, Zamtel and Zampost. Zamtel’s mandate was to concentrate on telecommunication business.

1995 - Zamtel introduced analogue mobile telephone service with code 095 and number range 70****.

2003 - 14th April - Zamtel introduced the mobile GSM service. This was launched by the Late President, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa in Chipata.

In July 2010 - Zamtel was partially privatized with a 75% shareholding sold to Lap Green of Libya.

2011 - ADSL service was introduced on the Zambian market offering fixed broad band internet service, to the home and office.

In January 2012 – The Government reversed the sale of Zamtel to 100 percent government ownership.

Today, Zamtel has been transformed into a highly competitive organization led by a team of visionary men and women that fully understand and believe in transformational and catalytic nature of telecommunications that can play in the development of Zambia.