Zambia has launched GovLink Private 4G, a government-owned digital connectivity network designed to improve internet access across public institutions and strengthen the delivery of digital government services.

The initiative, unveiled at Ndola Teaching Hospital, is being implemented by the e-Government Division at SMART Zambia Institute in partnership with IHM Southern Africa, Tuso Business Dynamics, Quadrupleplay, and the Ministry of Health.

GovLink to Power Connected Public Services

The GovLink network aims to bridge Zambia's digital connectivity gap by linking health facilities, schools, and other public institutions through a secure, shared national infrastructure.

The government has identified the health sector as the first beneficiary of the rollout, with major digital health platforms migrating to the new network to improve the reliability, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services.

Among the first systems to transition are Care 2.0, currently being piloted at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Arthur Davison Children's Hospital, and Kitwe Teaching Hospital, as well as SmartCare Pro, Zambia's electronic health records platform already deployed in more than 2,000 health facilities nationwide.

Supporting Zambia's Digital Transformation Agenda

Speaking through Government Chief Technical Officer Kasali Musenge, SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama described GovLink as a critical enabler of Zambia's digital transformation strategy.

He said the network provides the digital infrastructure required to modernise public service delivery by connecting hospitals, schools, farming communities, and other government institutions through a government-owned platform.

Chinyama also noted that Copperbelt Province has emerged as a model for digital transformation, with the government nearing full connectivity across public sector sites through collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners.

Improving Digital Healthcare Delivery

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi described the launch as a major milestone in Zambia's digital health strategy, noting that while the ministry has invested significantly in electronic health systems, inadequate connectivity has limited their full potential.

According to Lishimpi, GovLink will provide the reliable digital infrastructure needed to support electronic health records, telemedicine, real-time clinical decision-making, and other digital healthcare services.

Ndola Teaching Hospital, Kitwe Teaching Hospital, and Arthur Davison Children's Hospital are among the first facilities connected to the network and will serve as demonstration sites before the nationwide rollout expands to additional public institutions.

Expanding Secure Digital Infrastructure Nationwide

Senior Medical Superintendent at Ndola Teaching Hospital Dr Justo Banda said improved connectivity has already enabled clinicians to access patients' medical records, radiology reports, and diagnostic information electronically, improving efficiency, accountability, and the quality of patient care.

Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr Charles Mwinuna added that dependable connectivity will help reduce patient waiting times, strengthen referral systems, improve the management of medicines and medical supplies, and enhance healthcare delivery.

Once fully deployed, GovLink is expected to provide a unified digital infrastructure for government institutions, supporting secure, reliable, and citizen-centred public services while expanding digital access to underserved communities across Zambia.