Jason Mwanza, Zamtel’s visionary CEO, brings over 19 years of expertise in telecommunications, technology planning, and strategic leadership. Since his appointment in 2024, he has driven innovation, efficiency, and growth, strengthening Zamtel’s position as a leader in Zambia’s digital transformation.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Mwanza, visionary Chief Executive Officer of the telecommunications giant Zamtel, with the luxurious and serene Ciêla Resort swimming pool serving as a backdrop. Jason is no stranger to the position, having served as acting CEO for several months before his appointment.
Early Beginnings
Jason’s journey began on the Copperbelt, where he spent his formative years. Born 46 years ago into a family of four boys, Jason’s father worked for the Post and Telecommunications Corporation (PTC), making it a family affair when Jason joined Zamtel. “I grew up on the Copperbelt. We moved from town to town until our family eventually settled in Lusaka in 1994 when I was in Grade 10,” he recalls.
Interestingly, Jason’s path to the pinnacle of the corporate world was not what he had envisioned. As a young man, he pursued a religious vocation, attending Mount Olivet Minor Seminary in Mufulira with the intention of becoming a man of the cloth—a priest. “I wanted to become a priest because of the selfless lives they led, serving and helping others. I was intrigued by the peacefulness of seminary life,” Jason admits. However, he soon realised that by pursuing a university degree, he could better inspire his brothers and challenge them to become trailblazers and pioneers. They say charity begins at home, so Jason enrolled in electrical engineering to set the pace and create the blueprint for future family success.
Finding His Career Path
After completing Grade 12, Jason studied Telecommunication Engineering at Copperbelt University. Upon graduation, he worked for various organisations, including the Zambia Bureau of Standards and NECOR, before joining Zamtel. Jason’s first foray into telecommunications was with a competitor: “I worked for MTN Business when it was still called UUNet,” he explains. His career at Zamtel saw him conscripted into the company’s development programme, which aimed at retaining talent through exposure to various aspects of the business. Through this programme, Jason’s multifaceted skillset was honed as he moved through departments, from Operations to Projects to Business Analysis, eventually leading to his current role as CEO. Through lateral growth, Jason garnered immense working knowledge of how the entire organisation operates. His vast experience as a team lead and key decision-maker has forged a leadership style he adheres to and applies daily.
Jason Mwanza Talks Leadership and Challenges
As the CEO of Zamtel, Jason’s leadership style is situational and focused on clear communication and vision. “The easiest way to manage an organisation of any size is to ensure that you have a clear vision of what you wish to achieve,” he emphasises. Jason believes in making people feel safe by being objective, decisive and recognising their efforts. “When we identify young staff members who are excelling, we make sure to let them know that we, the management, have noticed their efforts.”
Jason also encourages his team to make mistakes and learn from them. “I allow people to make mistakes as long as they can justify them,” he explains. He firmly believes that mistakes can and should be forgiven if made with the right intentions and motives. Jason believes it is better to try and fail than remain inactive and lethargic. “I have found that using this approach has created a culture of growth and innovation in our organisation,” Jason continues.
Jason’s journey at Zamtel has not been without challenges. He recalls Zamtel’s privatisation when the workforce was reduced from 3,000 to 700 employees. “We were all retrenched in 2009/10. All staff members had to re-apply for their jobs, which were also open to the public. I wanted to continue my career at Zamtel and re-applied.” Jason more than made the grade and was re-engaged. Despite many other challenges, Jason has remained committed to turning Zamtel around and ensuring its success.
When asked about mentors, Jason subscribes to the school of thought that encourages us to learn from those around us. Though not personal mentors, he cites three major influences on his managerial path: former Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Governor Dr. Caleb Fundanga, from whom he learnt the art of simplifying complex concepts to make them easy to understand; former Zamtel CEOs Hans Poulsen and Sydney Mupeta, who taught him to speak frankly, be straightforward, and become a stickler for detail—traits he has embraced wholeheartedly.
Zamtel Successes under Jason Mwanza's Leadership
Jason lives and breathes his role. It is hard to tell where the CEO ends and the man begins. When asked about his most memorable achievements, his answer naturally tied into his passion for Zamtel and his team: “We are not exactly where we want to be, but we’ve made strides to take Zamtel to another level. We inherited a company that was deeply encumbered with debt. Clarity and a plan were essential to dismantle the mountain before us. We attended to the debt by sweating our assets, increasing employees’ productivity, growing our market share, and increasing revenue streams. Furthermore, we engaged in meaningful and informative conversations with our stakeholders. I am proud to say we found a way to self-fund the debt without government bailouts, and we met with the private sector to map out how we could become partners in the market for mutual growth and benefit.”
Jason cited some impressive numbers: “We were able to recover K1.2 billion, a cost reimbursement for managing 444 rural sites on behalf of the Government since 2019. I am grateful for the support of my board, who have sanctioned and backed many ambitious plans along the path to profitability.”
Looking ahead, Jason is focused on balancing the organisation’s needs with its employees’ development. “We need to make sure that people not only look forward to becoming managers but to grow into experts in their respective fields,” he emphasises. This approach ensures that Zamtel continues to thrive while nurturing the talents of its workforce and growing its network in a highly competitive environment.
Personal Growth and Advise
Reflecting on his personal and professional goals, Jason acknowledges that they have evolved over time. “At some point, after I became a senior manager, I became less sensitive and less caught up when faced with challenges or failure. I believe I have become more clear-headed and objective in my goals than when I was younger,” he admits. However, his passion for inspiring others and making a difference in people’s lives has remained constant.
Outside of Zamtel, Jason is excited to work on a project to provide clean, green solar energy through a venture he runs with his brother. As a married father of three, Jason uses golf as his escape, playing at least once a week. He cites his wife and brothers as his most significant support system and inspiration for the man he is today.
More About Jason Mwanza, Zamtel CEO
Advice to your 16 year old self
Don’t hide in the background—always keep showing up and be available and prepared for when an opportunity arises. And when it does, know your strengths and let them shine.
A Well-Oiled Machine
The key to maintaining a large organisation is communication. Make sure your team knows what is expected of them at all times and how their efforts feed into the vision.
Driven by Purpose
Jason’s purpose is to help and uplift those around him. He sees each team he leads as an opportunity to inspire and develop each individual in his team, making sure they grow.
Success Defined
Jason believes success is fluid, a moving target. With each milestone reached, a new challenge presents itself, and he cannot call himself successful until it is overcome. He believes in fulfilment over success.
About Ciela Resort & Spa
Escape to Ciela Resort & Spa, a Tribute Portfolio under Marriott. Nestled in serene surroundings, Ciela offers elegant accommodation, an 18-hole golf course, meeting spaces & an International Convention Centre. Indulge in diverse cuisine at four exceptional restaurants, taste the Rebel Craft Beer; brewed on site, unwind in The Spa, or relax by the glistening pool. Business or leisure, Ciela blends luxury and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
