Paratus Zambia, in collaboration with Meta, a key player in the pan-African telco Paratus Group, has announced a strategic investment aimed at establishing a cutting-edge 900 km open-access metro fiber network in Zambia. This initiative aims to significantly enhance high-quality connectivity in underserved communities across ten Zambian cities and towns.
Taking ownership of the project, Paratus Zambia will spearhead the construction and operation of the network, catering to the wholesale needs of mobile network operators and Internet service providers.
This ambitious project is not only set to create approximately 500 jobs within local communities but also stands as a pivotal move to fortify Paratus’ infrastructure, enabling the delivery of more affordable services and improved coverage.
The network’s reach extends to connect with the Paratus carrier-neutral data center in Lusaka, facilitating direct provision of high-quality connectivity to local businesses.
The first phase of this transformative venture is scheduled to bring fiber to six cities by January 2023, with the subsequent phase connecting four towns by the end of the same year.
Marius van Vuuren, Managing Director of Paratus Zambia, expressed that work is already underway, with a goal to complete the initial 280 km stretch by November, ready for activation in early January. Van Vuuren emphasized the significance of this undertaking for both the Zambian economy and the vast population and businesses that will benefit from a faster and more secure fiber network.
Paratus Group CEO, Schalk Erasmus, underscored the alignment of this intervention with Paratus’ overarching strategy to revolutionize Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service. Erasmus highlighted the considerable investments already made in the Zambian network, including the fiber link from Lusaka to Chirundu and a state-of-the-art Data Center in Lusaka for local content hosting.
Erasmus further revealed ongoing parallel efforts to link the metro networks with various towns and cities in Zambia, expressing pride in Meta’s recognition and support through this investment.
Nomonde Gongxeka-Seopa, Head of Public Policy, Southern Africa at Meta, emphasized the critical role these metro networks play in fostering digital communities and aiding business evolution, especially in under-connected areas. Gongxeka-Seopa praised Paratus’ existing fiber infrastructure in Zambia and anticipated that this collaboration would further extend the positive impact, heralding good news for Zambia.
The metro fiber network will be available in the following towns:
- Kitwe
- Ndola
- Livingstone
- Chingola
- Chililabombwe
- Solwezi
- Chambishi
- Kabwe
- Luanshya
- Mufulira
