Zambia has seen rapid growth in IoT device deployment, with over 4.2 million connected devices in 2026, driven by increased smartphone penetration and infrastructure investments. Internet penetration now reaches 52%, reflecting expanding digital access across urban and rural areas, which supports various IoT applications in agriculture, healthcare, and transportation sectors.
The average data usage per user has risen to 12 GB per month, indicating higher engagement with digital services. The government has launched three major smart city initiatives to enhance urban management, backed by USD 150 million in IoT investments to foster sustainable development and digital inclusion across the country.