The Global System for Mobile Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) has officially launched its operations in Zambia with the main objective to have a strong industry lobby group for GSM telecommunications operators in Zambia.
According to a statement availed to the Zambian Business Times-ZBT by Airtel Networks Head of Corporate Communications and Government Relations Yuyo Kambikambi, the local GSMAZ has been set up by three mobile operators MTN Zambia, Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, and Zambia Tele-communications Company Limited-ZAMTEL.
Speaking during the launch, MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer and current GSMAZ Chairperson Bart Hofker stated that GSMAZ intends to influence the efficient development and sustained growth of a strong and vibrant mobile telecommunications sector in Zambia.
Hofker explained that the digital inclusion will promote infrastructure and economic growth, boost employment and productivity across the country, and enhance access to essential services like healthcare and education.
He added that the formation of the GSMAZ will promote effective cooperation and partnership amongst Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) members and other various stakeholders, and by working together, there will be a more inclusive society where everyone can prosper.
Speaking at the same event, Airtel Zambia Managing Director, Apoorva Mehrotra said the launch of the GSMAZ which is an association that stands to advance the interest of Mobile Network Operators in Zambia and enhance the welfare of the entire industry is exciting.
Mehrotra said since inception of the telecommunications industry, MNOs have typically operated in a silos with a more ‘competitive’ approach. However, in recent years, with the increased demands of the industry and its key stakeholders, MNOs have had to adopt a more collaborative approach to advance cross-cutting industry concerns and continue to elevate the profile of mobile telecommunications in the Country.
“It is our earnest belief that the GSMAZ through its members and dedicated staff will provide a vibrant platform through which MNOs will be able to achieve the foregoing agenda and reshape not only the telecommunications industry, but the entire digital ecosystem in Zambia”, he said.
The system is to be utilised as a platform for influencing and ensuring the emergence and sustained development of pro-competitive, harmonised telecommunications policies and legal and regulatory frameworks in Zambia.
The GSMAZ will collaborate with ZICTA, the local government, and other organizations to promote policies that encourages growth of the digital economy. This is in line with government’s objective to increase access to and utilization of a broad range of high-quality and reasonably priced financial services, particularly by women, young people, and persons with disabilities, those residing in rural areas, as well as Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, which are essential in ensuring citizen participation in the economy.
