Darwin Chapuswike
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
March 15, 2025
As Zambia continues to grow as a hub for technology in Southern Africa, the demand for robust IT infrastructure is at an all-time high. In this post, I explore the challenges and opportunities for improving network reliability and security in the region, drawing from my experience at NetOne Zambia and Zambia Airports Corporation Limited. The rapid adoption of digital services—think mobile banking, e-commerce, and government portals—has put immense pressure on existing systems, many of which were designed decades ago.
One major challenge is the inconsistent power supply, which disrupts data centers and network uptime. During my time at NetOne, I worked on implementing backup power solutions and optimizing server configurations to mitigate downtime. Another hurdle is the skills gap; while Zambia has a growing pool of IT talent, advanced expertise in cloud computing and cybersecurity is still scarce. On the flip side, opportunities abound—government initiatives like the Smart Zambia project are paving the way for fiber optic expansion and 5G rollout, which could transform connectivity in rural areas.
Looking ahead, I believe partnerships between local firms and global tech giants could accelerate progress. Imagine a future where Zambian engineers collaborate with companies like Cisco or Microsoft to build resilient, scalable networks. It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to be part of this evolution.