Zimbabwe's Telecoms Sector Poised for Transformation as 5G, IoT, Cloud, and AI Converge

The Zimbabwean telecoms sector is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by the convergence of emerging technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). During a recent panel discussion, industry experts shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges of adopting these technologies at scale.
Moderator Farai Mwakutuya set the tone for the discussion, highlighting the need for Zimbabwean businesses to leverage emerging tech to drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. "The question is, how can we harness these technologies to propel Zimbabwe's economy forward?" she asked.

Matthew Masiyazi, Econet Wireless strategist, emphasized the importance of 5G in enabling widespread adoption of IoT and AI applications. "5G is a game-changer for Zimbabwe, offering ultra-low latency, high-speed connectivity, and massive device capacity," he said. "This will unlock new use cases in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, driving economic growth and improving living standards."

Joseph Magweregwede, AI and cybersecurity strategist, stressed the need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity as they adopt emerging technologies. "AI and IoT introduce new risks, and companies must invest in robust security measures to protect themselves from cyber threats," he warned. "This requires a culture shift, with security embedded in every aspect of the business."
Percy Sibanda, Group ICT Manager at Zimplats, shared his company's experience in leveraging emerging tech to drive operational efficiency. "We've implemented IoT solutions to monitor and optimize our mining operations, resulting in significant cost savings and improved safety," he said. "We're also exploring the use of AI to predict equipment failures and reduce downtime."

Maria Chinomwe, General Manager: Technology Services at Econet, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving digital transformation. "We need to work together as industry players, government, and academia to develop the skills and infrastructure needed to support emerging tech," she said. "This includes investing in data analytics, AI, and cybersecurity talent."
The panel discussion underscored the vast potential of emerging technologies to transform Zimbabwe's economy. However, it also highlighted the need for businesses to address challenges such as infrastructure development, skills development, and cybersecurity.

As Zimbabwe's telecoms sector continues to evolve, industry players will need to prioritize innovation, collaboration, and security to stay ahead of the curve.

Zimbabwe's telecoms sector faces several challenges in adopting emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, Cloud, and AI. One major hurdle is the country's limited infrastructure, which can make it difficult to support widespread adoption of these technologies.
Key Challenges:

Infrastructure Development: Zimbabwe needs significant investment in infrastructure to support emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity Risks: As more devices connect to the internet, cybersecurity becomes a major concern.
Regulatory Framework: The government needs to create a supportive regulatory environment to encourage investment and innovation.

Skills Development: Zimbabwe needs to develop a skilled workforce to support the adoption of emerging technologies.
Spectrum Allocation: The allocation of spectrum for 5G and other emerging technologies is a challenge.
The Zimbabwean government and telecoms companies are working to address these challenges. For instance, the government has published definitive wireline voice and broadband subscription data, and regulatory authorities are playing a major role in adopting 5G networks 

Despite these challenges, the Zimbabwean telecoms sector is expected to experience strong growth, driven by increasing demand for mobile services and investment in emerging technologies.
Zimbabwean businesses are embracing 5G technology, with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe leading the charge. They've partnered with Ericsson to upgrade their core network, introducing 5G Standalone (SA) technology, which promises faster speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability. This upgrade will enable Econet to support innovative applications like smart cities, IoT, and enterprise solutions.

Key Benefits of 5G for Zimbabwean Businesses:

Enhanced Connectivity: 5G SA offers ultra-fast speeds and low latency, enabling seamless connectivity for businesses.
Increased Efficiency: Automation and orchestration capabilities improve network management, reducing costs and enhancing productivity.

New Revenue Streams: 5G enables businesses to develop innovative services and applications, driving growth and revenue.
Improved Security: Advanced security features protect businesses from cyber threats.

Econet's partnership with Ericsson is expected to drive digital transformation in Zimbabwe, supporting economic growth and improving digital services. Other businesses can leverage 5G to enhance their operations, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive in the market