01/10/2025
IBA GRANTS RADIO BROADCASTING LICENCES
LUSAKA, 1st October, 2025 – The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Board has awarded nine (9) radio broadcasting licences to successful applicants for the provision of radio services.
Further, the Board has authorised nine (9) existing stations to expand their coverage areas to different parts of the country.
This licensing process has resulted in the increase of radio stations from one hundred and eighty-eight (188) to two hundred and eight (208).
In April 2025, the Authority advertised thirty-two (32) radio frequencies, fourteen (14) designated for the establishment of new radio stations and eighteen (18) for the expansion of existing stations into new broadcasting areas. The advert run for ninety (90) days, from 15th April 2025 to 14th July 2025.
The call for applications aimed to extend broadcasting services to underserved and unserved areas targeting rural communities. To support prospective applicants, the Authority conducted sensitisation meetings in underserved and unserved districts to raise awareness about the licensing process and the requirements for obtaining a broadcasting licence.
At the close of the application period on 14th July, the Authority received a total of forty-seven (47) valid applications, twenty (20) for new stations and twenty-seven (27) for expansions. However, no applications were received for the advertised frequencies in Kawambwa, Mporokoso, Kaputa, Nakonde, Zambezi, and Mwinilunga.
During the evaluation process, the Board observed that several applicants faced challenges, including failure to provide proof of startup capital, lack of cash flow projections and sustainability plans for their stations.
In light of these shortcomings, the Authority urges future applicants to engage the Authority for guidance on licensing requirements. This will help ensure that applications are complete, compliant, and meet the necessary standards for consideration.
The following are the successful applicants for new stations:
New Stations
S/N Station Name Broadcasting Area Province
1. Luano Lwesu FM Radio Luano Central
2. Business Radio Mkushi Central
3. Mukwasu FM Nyimba Eastern
4. Mweru FM Chienge Luapula
5. Roof Us Radio Mansa Luapula
6. Mukamba FM Samfya Luapula
7. Chejeji FM Ikelenge Northwestern
8. Kaoma FM Kaoma Western
9. Mitete Community Radio Mitete Western
The following existing stations have been granted expansion
Expansions
S/N Station Name Broadcasting Area Expanded To Province
1. Sky FM Kitwe Copperbelt
2. Mwansabombwe FM Chienge Luapula
3. Mwansabombwe FM Kawambwa Luapula
4. Faith Baptist Radio Mansa Luapula
5. Mafken Radio Mansa Luapula
6. Sun FM Mansa Luapula
7. Radio Yangeni Samfya Luapula
8. Rise FM Samfya Luapula
9. Faith Baptist Radio Kaputa Northern
10. Mafken Radio Mbala Northern
11. Sun FM Solwezi Northwestern
12. One Love Radio Choma Southern
13. Hope Community Radio Kaoma Western
The IBA thanks all applicants for their interest in providing broadcasting services and contributing to the growth of Zambia’s broadcasting landscape.
The Board congratulates all successful applicants and urges both new and existing stations to operate in line with the licensing conditions and broadcasting regulations, guidelines, and programming standards set by the Authority.
Mr. Chikosola Chuula
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (IBA)
