MTN Zambia Launches Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G Smartphones

In September 2026, MTN Zambia introduced Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G mobile phones to expand its presence in the budget smartphones segment. This launch is part of a broader goal of the company to improve the accessibility of advanced technologies in the nation. The new products are based on the Alola smartphones range, whose 200,000 units have been sold since its introduction in November 2024.

The company said that this launch is intended to decrease the overall cost of owning a smartphone and also boost access to enhanced performance and connectivity. The Alola Max 2 is priced at USD 60.65, and it offers enhanced performance, storage, a 4000 mAh battery, and Android 16. This smartphone is being positioned as a budget upgrade for people who want to own a device with higher capabilities without spending more money.

The Alola 5G is priced at USD 120.25 and provides significant advancement in terms of connectivity, as it is compatible with 5G networks. It is also equipped with an HD+ display and AI capabilities, which provide people with a more advanced smartphone option at an affordable price.

MTN Zambia is also offering connectivity benefit bundles with both mobile phones. Customers who buy Alola Max 2 will be awarded 7 GB of data every month for the initial 3 months of ownership. Buyers of the Alola 5G will get 10 GB of data every month for 3 months, and both benefit bundles will also include 100 minutes of MTN-to-MTN calls every month for the same period. People can purchase the Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G from the MTN Service Centers across the country. The company said that it intends to boost digital inclusivity by decreasing barriers for smartphone accessibility and connectivity.

Impact on the Information and Communication Technology Industry

According to Precedence Research, the launch of the Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G smartphones is expected to positively impact the information and communication technology industry. Zambia has a pretty low median income, and people cannot afford expensive smartphones. MTN Zambia aims to address this issue by launching good-quality, affordable smartphones along with connectivity benefits. This will result in increased adoption of modern communication technologies in the country.

Impact on the Digital Transformation Market

The global digital transformation market size accounted for USD 1.49 trillion in 2025 and is predicted to reach around USD 12.53 trillion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 23.73% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the introduction of the Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G smartphones is expected to benefit the digital transformation market. Zambia is a landlocked country with a significant proportion of its land covered by forests. It is sparsely populated, which results in difficulties in national connectivity. This launch provides an affordable option for the citizens of the country to own a capable smartphone. This will result in an enhancement of digital connectivity, which is important as physical connectivity is not robust due to geographical constraints.

Impact on the 5G Services Market

The global 5G services market size is calculated at USD 200.55 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 319.90 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 17.164.28 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 56.04% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the launch of the Alola Max 2 and Alola 5G smartphones is expected to boost the 5G services market. The proliferation of 5G connectivity in Zambia is pretty low due to outdated telecommunications infrastructure compared to developed countries. This is because of unfavorable geography as well as a weak technology ecosystem.  The Alola 5G attempts to change this by providing 5G connectivity at a pretty affordable price for the citizens of the country.

About MTN Group

MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications corporation that has a presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The company is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange under the share code ‘MTN’. The company is the leading telecommunications services provider in Zambia and has significantly invested in the development of modern connectivity infrastructure and has leveraged regional talent. MTN Group provides voice, data, and digital services to its customers.

The company provided material assistance to the Ministry of Health of Zambia during COVID-19. The company established the MTN Zambia Foundation in 2021, which is a non-profit legal entity through which it implements its Corporate Social Investments. The company organized a training program at the Livingstone Institute for Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES) to equip students and faculty with the awareness and platforms to stay updated with the latest digital technologies.