25 Years of Transformation
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is Zimbabwe’s largest provider of telecommunications services, providing solutions in mobile and fixed wireless telephony, public payphones, internet access and payment solutions.
Econet launched its network on 10 July 1998 and listed on 17 September 1998. It is one of the largest companies on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalisation. The company continues to upgrade its network to carry more subscribers, and further widen its geographical coverage, which is already the most extensive in Zimbabwe.
In 2009, the network became the first operator in Zimbabwe to launch data services under 3G technology. The company’s key infrastructure at the start of 2010 included three switches.
In 2009, Econet began building an extensive fibre optic network, and also commenced an accelerated rollout of other key network infrastructure.
Key subsidiaries and associates of Econet are Liquid Telecom, the largest internet service and access provider in Zimbabwe, and Transaction Payment Solutions,
a leading provider of financial transaction switching, point-of-sale and value-added support services. In line with its Christian-based vision(We envision a digitally connected future that leaves no Zimbabwean behind) and mission (We deliver unparalleled digital services to everyone and everything everywhere with a passion to inspire innovation, improve quality of life and unlock stakeholder value sustainably), Econet has a broad strategy for social and community investment, run under the “Econet in the Community” banner.
Through these programmes, Econet supports a diverse range of charitable causes which include children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, religious and church organisations,
as well as an annual scholarship program that provides financial assistance to the brightest students selected from schools in the country’s 10 provinces under the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund (JNSF).
1998
- Mobile network launch.
- Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listing.
2003
- Business partner launch
- Installation of generators and rectifiers at base stations to counter load-shedding.
2008
- Econet 10th anniversary
- 80 new base stations with data capabilities.
- Broadened airtime distribution channel via retail – Innscor, OK, TM supermarkets.
2013
- Steward bank acquisition
- Buddie zone launched to maximise network investment
- Continued integration with major banking institutions on EcoCash
2018 & Beyond
- Digital transformation
- Kwese – multi-platform TV
- Digital banking
- Auto insurance disruption
- Cassava de-merger and listing