Econet Wireless: How Zimbabwe’s Telecom Giant Is Winning Through Tech Diversity

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has solidified its position as the country’s most innovative and diversified telecommunications and technology provider, as it continues to reshape digital access across sectors — from financial services and health to enterprise and education.

With over 13 million subscribers, Econet has transitioned from a traditional mobile operator to a multi-platform digital ecosystem, adapting to Zimbabwe’s challenging economic environment with agility, scale, and relentless innovation.

Beyond Telecom: Econet’s Expanding Digital Footprint

Starting as a mobile voice service in 1998, Econet’s business has evolved to cover:

- Mobile broadband (2G to pilot 5G)

- EcoCash mobile money – powering over 50% of local digital transactions

- Digital health services through HealthPoint

- Enterprise ICT via partnerships with Cassava Technologies

- Education platforms, youth hubs (Elevate), and mobility (Vaya)

With HealthPoint, Econet is tapping into AI-driven health diagnostics and telemedicine, targeting underserved rural populations through mobile access.

The company’s latest innovation drive — showcased during the E-Novate Expo 2025 — revealed ambitions in:

- IoT for agriculture and utilities

- Blockchain for digital identity and transactions

- Cloud-based business tools

- Smart city infrastructure partnerships

Local Talent and Innovation at the Core

Econet actively invests in local developers and tech entrepreneurs via:

- Hackathons and innovation hubs

- Youth empowerment platforms like Elevate

- Graduate trainee programs in ICT and digital business

This grassroots engagement is designed to support Zimbabwe’s digital transformation under Vision 2030 and the NDS2 framework.