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

Published

4 years ago

February 24, 2022

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

Related Topics:5G Econet Wireless Ericson Postal and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe

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Conservation amid crisis: How VFWT adapted to 2024 drought

Published

3 days ago

September 5, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) has released its 2024 Impact Report, detailing a year marked by unprecedented challenges due to severe drought conditions across Zimbabwe and much of Southern Africa. The report highlights the organization’s strategic adaptations to support local wildlife and communities during one of the most difficult drought years on record.

Unlike previous droughts where water scarcity was the primary concern, this year underscored a more complex reality. VFWT Chairperson Bruno De Leo emphasized that the lack of grazing for both wildlife and livestock emerged as an even greater threat. Animals had to venture farther for food, increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict and competition for dwindling resources. De Leo noted, “The year 2024 underscored the importance of connectivity for wildlife and the need to maintain corridors that allow movement and relieve pressure on natural resources.”

In response to these challenges, VFWT implemented several proactive measures. Collaborating with the rural communities involved in its Herding 4 Hope project, VFWT facilitated early livestock sales to minimize losses and planned for dry-season grazing in more distant areas to conserve energy among livestock. The organization also focused on regenerating boreholes to ensure that villages without adequate water had access to crucial resources.

Notably, VFWT’s Wildlife Disease & Forensics Laboratory made significant strides, establishing itself as a key player in wildlife forensics. In 2024, the laboratory handled over 280 cases and engaged in crucial research on transboundary animal diseases affecting regional wildlife. The lab successfully validated targeted sequencing for species identification using new technologies, reinforcing its capabilities in addressing wildlife crime. Remarkably, the lab played an integral role in international ivory seizure investigations and developed a genetic panel for black rhinos, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting poaching and ensuring species protection.

A particularly significant initiative was the launch of a tuberculosis surveillance project for lions within Hwange National Park. Following confirmed deaths from the disease, this project seeks to assess its prevalence among the lion population and understand transmission dynamics. With nine lions set to be sampled in late 2025, the data gathered will contribute to vital conservation knowledge.

The report emphasizes the importance of continued support from donors and stakeholders, enabling VFWT to maintain healthy animal populations and develop sustainable solutions for the future of biodiversity in the region. In a challenging year, the dedication and adaptability of the VFWT team stood out, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and community engagement.

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ZTA gears up for tourism month with significant expo in Mutare

Published

3 days ago

September 5, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is poised for a vibrant September as it kicks off Tourism Month activities, highlighted by the highly anticipated Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Mutare.

This year’s event set for the 10th to the 12th of this month is set to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and foster investment opportunities.

At a press conference held today in Harare and shared by the ZTA on X, Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, expressed optimism regarding this year’s edition, asserting that it will be a “resounding success.”

The Expo features a robust lineup of activities, attracting participation from 83 international buyers from key source markets, 11 local buyers, and a total of 411 registered exhibitors.

Minister Rwodzi emphasized the ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Manicaland, which include improved road conditions, the refurbishment of the Grand Reef Aerodrome, daily flights operated by Air Zimbabwe, and a luxury train service connecting Harare and Mutare. These enhancements are anticipated to stimulate job creation and promote long-term economic growth.

Joined by Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, Rwodzi acknowledged the role of the media in amplifying the visibility of the Expo and urged for continued coverage to maximize outreach.

In addition to the Expo, Tourism Month will feature a Tourism Symposium, various sports tourism activities, including a marathon, and celebrations for World Tourism Day, marking September as a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

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Binga Kasambabezi marathon set to promote local tourism and community engagement

Published

4 days ago

September 4, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The inaugural Binga Kasambabezi Marathon is poised to become a flagship event in Binga, promoting local tourism and community engagement.

Recent Ncube, Local Organizing Chair for the marathon, shared the inspiration behind the event and its potential impact on the local community.

“As a preparatory marathon for the Vic Falls event, 10 wellness athletes who used to jog in the morning decided to craft the Binga Kasambabezi Marathon,” Ncube explained.

Event Details
– Route and Distance: “The marathon starts at the Binga Freedom Square and the same venue acts as the finishing line,” Ncube stated.
– Participant Numbers*: The organizers expect around 1500 participants.
– Support Systems: “We have five hydration stations manned by AFC, Netone, Kmtc and others,” Ncube revealed.

Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
The marathon will be accompanied by a cultural festival, featuring traditional events. “On the 26th of September we have a full dish of cultural events such as Chilimba, Ngoma also displays by herbalist, curvers, weavers and traditional games by schools,” Ncube added.

Future Plans
This year’s event marks the 8th edition of the marathon, and the organizers plan to continue hosting it annually. “We will continue to assert Binga district as the place to be yearly,” Ncube emphasized.

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