Bayobab Zambia and Vodacom Mozambique Complete Zambia–Mozambique Fibre Interconnection to Boost Southern Africa’s Digital Connectivity
Bayobab Zambia and Vodacom Mozambique have officially marked the completion of the Zambia–Mozambique Fibre Interconnection Project at the Chanida Border, a significant milestone in advancing regional digital infrastructure and cross-border connectivity in Southern Africa.
The project follows the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two telecommunications operators to interconnect their fibre optic networks.
This cross-border link is designed to enhance international data traffic capacity, strengthen network redundancy, and improve overall service resilience.
It is also expected to accelerate digital transformation initiatives in both countries by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity for businesses, governments, and consumers.
The commemoration ceremony brought together senior government and private sector leaders, including Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, and Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga. The Governor of Tete Province and other senior officials were also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Mutati described the fibre interconnection as a historic achievement that enhances Zambia’s regional digital footprint.
He noted that the Chanida link increases Zambia’s fibre connectivity to eight neighbouring countries, positioning the country among the most digitally interconnected nations in Southern Africa.
He further outlined Zambia’s ambitions to expand connectivity beyond the immediate region, including planned fibre links to Burundi and integration into broader continental networks.
According to the Minister, robust digital infrastructure is a foundational enabler for economic transformation, regional trade, and improved public service delivery.
Mutati commended Bayobab Zambia and Vodacom Mozambique for their investment and strategic collaboration, while also emphasising the role of government in fostering an enabling environment.
He highlighted policy reforms, strengthened legal frameworks, and progressive regulatory measures as critical to attracting infrastructure investment.
Among these measures, he cited the removal of import duties on digital infrastructure equipment as a deliberate intervention to stimulate network expansion and reduce deployment costs.
The Minister reiterated that Zambia’s digital transformation strategy is anchored on five pillars: digital skills development, innovation and creativity, efficient e-government service delivery, inclusive connectivity for rural and underserved communities, and digitally driven economic growth.
He stressed that none of these priorities can be realised without resilient, high-capacity digital infrastructure.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Mutati underscored the longstanding cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique, noting Mozambique’s past support during Zambia’s energy and transport challenges.
He said the enduring spirit of partnership captured in the phrase “Tulipo” (“we are here”) continues to guide collaborative development efforts between the two countries.
