Zambian government pushes for rural ICT fund disbursement

The Zambian government has directed the Communications Authority of Zambia (CAZ) to release approximately US$4 million meant for rural ICT development.

CAZ raised the funds by slapping mobile-phone and other telecom service providers with charges, and Minister of Communication and Transport Dora Siliya said there is no need for CAZ to continue holding the money.

She emphasized that all citizens -- whether in towns or rural areas -- should have access to the Internet and mobile communication in order to accelerate development in the country.

“The government has also set aside over US$200,000 for ICT establishment in the country in order to achieve the 2030 vision of ensuring that ICT infrastructure was dotted across the country,” Siliya said.

CAZ is expected to implement the rural ICT development program in partnership with telecom providers wishing to extend their services to remote areas. However, CAZ has not yet begun the distribution of funds, claiming it is still working on a policy to guide how the money will be spent.

Last month, Siliya said the government would push CAZ to quickly start funds distribution in order to implement the program.