Zambia Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Zambia's mobile subscriptions was 105.93 in 2025, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Zambia's mobile subscriptions stood at 105.93 in 2025, a rise of +3.86 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 105.93 by 2025. Zambia ranked 132nd globally.
Zambia recorded 105.93 mobile subscriptions per 100 people in 2025, marking its all-time peak and placing it 132nd globally. This represents a dramatic expansion from the trough of 0.00 subscriptions per 100 people in 1994, reflecting decades of infrastructure development and increased access to telecommunications. Over a 53-year period, Zambia transitioned from near-zero coverage to a penetration rate that now slightly exceeds the population, a phenomenon commonly attributed to individuals holding multiple SIM cards. The 2025 figure closely aligns with that of peer nations such as Hungary, which reported 105.28 subscriptions per 100 people, and Brazil at 104.58, suggesting Zambia's mobile market has reached a mature stage comparable to upper-middle-income economies. The sustained growth in subscriptions has been driven by private sector investment, declining handset prices, and expanding network coverage in rural areas. Barring regulatory shifts or saturation of demand, the trajectory is expected to stabilize around current levels, with future growth likely contingent on advancements in digital services and broader internet adoption.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 107.55 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 105.93 | - | - |
| 2025 | 105.93 | +3.86 | #132 |
| 2023 | 102.06 | +3.62 | #115 |
| 2022 | 98.44 | −4.85 | #146 |
| 2021 | 103.28 | +3.05 | #127 |
| 2020 | 100.24 | +7.22 | #129 |
| 2019 | 93.01 | +6.94 | #139 |
| 2018 | 86.07 | +9.02 | #146 |
| 2017 | 77.05 | +6.00 | #161 |
| 2016 | 71.05 | +0.57 | #166 |
| 2015 | 70.48 | +6.84 | #170 |
| 2014 | 63.63 | −3.88 | #173 |
| 2013 | 67.51 | −3.06 | #161 |
| 2012 | 70.57 | +14.02 | #154 |
| 2011 | 56.55 | +17.55 | #158 |
| 2010 | 39.00 | +6.34 | #175 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's mobile subscriptions was 105.93 in 2025. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's mobile subscriptions peaked at 105.93 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Zambia was 0.00 in 1960.
Zambia ranks 132nd globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 105.93 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Zambia in 2025 was 105.93. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Zambia Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}