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In a major first, Econet switches on 5G network in Zimbabwe

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BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications company, today launched high-speed Fifth Generation (5G) mobile broadband technology, in partnership with global technology infrastructure suppliers Ericson and ZTE, making Econet the first mobile network operator to offer the service in the country, starting with the capital Harare.

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Econet, which has invested over US$3 billion in infrastructure since its inception, plans to roll out 5G to the rest of the country during the course of the year, after it was allocated test spectrum in multiple bands by the Postal and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) for 5G technology services.

Announcing the launch of the technology at an event in Avondale, Harare, the company said initial 5G service would be rolled out for individual and enterprise customers in Harare.

Econet CEO Douglas Mboweni said the 5G rollout was an important milestone for the company, and was a critical enabler for Zimbabwe’s drive towards a fully digital economy.

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“The 5G technology will transform the way we all live and work, offering customers significantly greater network capacity, ultra-low latency and super-fast broadband speeds that open vast possibilities for our individual, business and enterprise customers,” he said.

The new technology will yield far higher speeds – up to 100 times faster than earlier broadband technologies.

“The technology allows several devices to be connected at the same time, allowing for new automation possibilities, seamless communication and interconnectivity between multiple smart devices, commonly known as the internet of things (IoT),” Mboweni said.

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Speaking at the launch of the service, Econet Kezito Makuni, said the launch of 5G will allow the company to meet growing demand for data and complement its growing 4G network, boosting overall mobile connectivity for Econet customers.

“Our 5G network will offer new use cases while at the same time helping us meet existing demand for mobile broadband services,” Makuni said.

The launch of 5G cements Econet’s position as the technology and telecoms leader in Zimbabwe, where the company was first in launching 3G and 4G services.

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Industry regulator Potraz’s sector performance reports show that the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company has long been a leader in infrastructure investment in 2G, 3G, and 4G.

Potraz Director General,  Gift Machengete, who was the guest of honour at the launch event, commended Econet for bringing 5G to the Zimbabwean market at a time when the demand for data and telecom services remained very high.

He said the introduction of the super-fast technology in Zimbabwe meant the “future has finally arrived”, adding that he expected the technology to herald industrial and societal transformation.

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“5G indeed is ‘The Technology’; it is the nervous system of the digital economy, where everything whether biological, mechanical or chemical will have to be connected somehow, anywhere, anytime, with zero delay and almost unlimited capacity,” he said.

He noted, however, that for the country to enjoy the full benefits of 5G –  which include e-Health, smart transport andlogistics, smart energy networks, smart agriculture and smart retail – the telecommunications sector will require foreign currency support for network expansion and to procure critical core network software.

“Because 5G will be an overlay network, requiring a new cycle of network rollout with demand for funding in forex, the sector will need to be prioritised in the allocation of foreign currency,” Machengete said.

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“On this note I invite the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to pay special attention to the communication sector, and actively support 5G rollout through timeous allocation of foreign currency resources to the sector.”

Econet was founded by Strive Masiyiwa and has grown to one of the biggest telecommunications company in Africa.

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Fastjet launches Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flights

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Fastjet Zimbabwe is set to expand its domestic route network with the introduction of flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, starting August 8.

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The new route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

According to Nunurai Ndawana, spokesperson for Fastjet Zimbabwe, “The new Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flight strengthens our presence in Bulawayo and underscores our commitment to the development of tourism region.” Ndawana added, “Our four times a week flights will offer more travel opportunities and support both leisure and corporate travel between the two cities, reaffirming our position as a key airline partner in connecting the Matabeleland region.”

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that “This has been a long time coming. We have been monitoring the development and traffic trends between the manufacturing city of Bulawayo and our tourism hub of Victoria Falls. The introduction of a scheduled service is a result of widespread consultative engagements and collaboration with key players in the industry.”

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Fastjet Zimbabwe will deploy its Embraer fleet on the new route, offering customers a comfortable flight experience. The flight schedule is as follows:

– BUQ-VFA Flight FN8111: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Bulawayo at 13:25 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 14:20.
– VFA-BUQ Flight FN8112: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Victoria Falls at 14:50 and arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.

 

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Wetlands conservation takes center stage as COP15 conference kicks off in Victoria Falls

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The highly anticipated Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) kicked off today, in Victoria Falls.

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The conference brings together representatives from 172 countries to discuss critical wetland matters.

In a press briefing held yesterday evening, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Evelyn Ndlovu, welcomed delegates to the conference, emphasizing the importance of wetlands in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

“Wetland conservation is not an environmental luxury; it is a hydrological necessity, a climate imperative, and a development obligation,” Minister Ndlovu stressed.

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The minister highlighted the alarming rate of wetland loss, citing the Global Wetlands Outlook report, which reveals that 37% of wetlands have been lost since the Convention’s establishment in 1971. She also noted that freshwater species populations have declined by 84% since 1970.

The minister emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland conservation, announcing plans to designate five new Ramsar Sites by 2030 and restore 250 000 hectares of degraded wetlands.

The COP15 conference, which runs until July 31, aims to address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands. The conference will feature plenary sessions, regional meetings, and a field trip to Kasibo Wetland in Hwange.

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to officiate at the event.

The conference is expected to catalyze three key paradigm shifts: adopting the Victoria Falls Declaration, integrating wetland considerations into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and embracing technological solutions through the launch of the Global Wetland Watch digital monitoring platform.

As the conference gets underway, all eyes are on Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as global leaders gather to address the critical issue of wetlands conservation.

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Global leaders to gather in Zimbabwe for crucial wetlands conservation conference

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

In just a few days, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) will convene in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together representatives from over 170 countries to discuss the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

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Scheduled to take place from 23-31, July, 2025, the conference will address pressing issues affecting the world’s wetlands, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

The eight-day conference will feature a range of activities, including regional meetings, plenary sessions, and consideration of draft resolutions and recommendations. Key topics on the agenda include the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2025-2034, financial and budgetary matters, and the responsibilities and roles of the Standing Committee.

High-level dignitaries, including government ministers, international organization representatives, and civil society leaders, are expected to attend the conference. The event will provide a critical platform for international cooperation and coordination on wetland conservation and sustainable use.

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The conference will also feature the presentation of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award winners, recognizing outstanding achievements in wetland conservation and management.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, the COP15 conference is expected to produce significant outcomes and decisions that will shape the future of wetland management and conservation.

 

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