By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
More than 100,000 Zambians have gained access to the internet for the first time following the introduction of the Alola 4G smartphone, a move aimed at accelerating digital inclusion across the country.
MTN Zambia introduced the Alola 4G smartphone, as a low-cost, internet-ready device designed to ensure that every Zambian, regardless of income, location or digital experience, can participate fully in the digital economy.
The initiative aligns with the broader goal of ensuring affordable and reliable digital technology, alongside skills development, for individuals and communities.
Many of the beneficiaries have transitioned from basic mobile phones to internet-enabled devices, opening new opportunities to access information, digital services and online platforms.
And in its ongoing mission to accelerate digital inclusion, MTN Zambia has officially launched AppJoy, an innovative digital lifestyle application developed by Muen in partnership with Huawei. The application is available exclusively on MTN’s affordable Alola smartphone range.
The launch event, held in Lusaka on Saturday, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders and technology partners, highlighting the importance of multi stakeholder collaboration in advancing Zambia’s national digital transformation agenda.
Officiating at the launch, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, called for accelerated digital inclusion through what he termed the “digital trinity” of access, affordability and services, stating that technology must directly connect and empower people to be transformative.
Mr. Mutati emphasized that digital inclusion is only meaningful when technology is practical and usable for ordinary people, including those in remote areas.
He hailed the introduction of an affordable smartphone priced at about US$30, noting that the device offers capabilities comparable to far more expensive smartphones by leveraging cloud-based storage, enabling users to access services, applications and connectivity without limitation.
The Minister further commended MTN and Huawei for their continued contribution to Zambia’s digital transformation, highlighting milestones such as the rollout of 5G services, a customer base nearing seven million users, and the deployment of innovative backup power solutions for network towers.
“Digital inclusion is not just a technological aspiration. It is an economic and social imperative. The launch of AppJoy on MTN’s Alola smartphones represents exactly the kind of collaborative innovation that moves Zambia forward. This partnership brings us closer to a Zambia where every citizen, regardless of income or location, can access digital tools that improve their livelihoods.
“The Government welcomes and celebrates this initiative as it supports our national digital transformation agenda and strengthens Zambia’s position as a growing ICT leader in the region,” he added.
MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer Abbad Reda, reaffirmed the telecommunication company’s commitment to ensuring that every Zambian, regardless of income, location, or digital experience, has access to affordable and reliable digital technology.
“ When we introduced the Alola 4G smartphone, our mission was to break the barriers that make affordability a limitation for millions seeking access to the digital world. And today, that mission takes a bold step forward. With AppJoy, developed in partnership with Huawei, every Alola device becomes more than a smartphone. It becomes a gateway to opportunity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the Huawei MTN Global Key Account Department, Alex Xing, affirmed Huawei’s dedication to supporting MTN Zambia and the Government in advancing the nation’s digital transformation agenda.
“This collaboration goes beyond technology. It is a commitment to building a digital ecosystem that supports local growth, nurtures first time users and expands meaningful digital access across Zambia. Together with MTN and the Ministry of Technology and Science, we are ensuring that no one is left behind,” Mr. Xing said.
