Paratus Zambia, a key player in the Pan-African telecommunications sector and a member of the Paratus Group, has partnered with Meta to announce a significant investment in establishing a 900 km open-access metro fiber network in Zambia
The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance high-quality connectivity in underserved communities across ten Zambian cities and towns
Paratus Zambia will lead the ownership, construction, and operation of the network, providing wholesale services to mobile network operators and Internet service providers. This ambitious project is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs for local communities, strengthen Paratus’ infrastructure, and contribute to delivering more affordable services with expanded coverage.
The network will seamlessly connect to the Paratus carrier-neutral data centre in Lusaka, facilitating the direct provision of high-quality connectivity services to local businesses.
The initial phase of this project is set to bring fiber connectivity to six cities by January 2023, with the subsequent phase targeting the connection of four additional towns by the end of 2023.
Paratus Zambia managing director, Marius van Vuuren stated that work has already started. “We aim to complete the first 280 km by November and activate it by early January.”
“This is a significant relationship for Paratus not only because of its importance to the Zambian economy, but also because we will be helping to provide millions of people and hundreds of businesses with the opportunity to connect to the Internet via a faster and more secure fiber network,” stated Van Vuuren.
According to Paratus Group CEO, Schalk Erasmus, “This intervention is very much aligned with Paratus’ strategy to transform Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service.”
“We have already made significant investments in our Zambian network, such as our fiber link from Lusaka to Chirundu and our own state-of-the-art Data Centre in Lusaka to house content locally.”
“We are also working on a parallel project to link the metro networks to various towns and cities in Zambia. We are very proud that Meta has recognised this pledge and is supporting us with this investment.”
Nomonde Gongxeka-Seopa, head of public policy, Southern Africa, Meta added, “These metro networks are critical to building digital communities and helping businesses evolve, particularly in under-connected communities.”
“Paratus has already built fiber in many parts of Zambia and this relationship will help extend their good work. It’s good news for Zambia.”
The metro fiber network is poised to benefit several towns, including Kitwe, Ndola, Livingstone, Chingola, Chililabombwe, Solwezi, Chambishi, Kabwe, Luanshya, and Mufulira, marking a substantial step toward Paratus' commitment to transforming Africa through robust digital infrastructure and exceptional customer service.
