(Ecofin Agency) - By investing in 5G SA and cloud-native infrastructure, Econet and Ericsson are future-proofing Zimbabwe’s telecom industry, fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and global competitiveness.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Ericsson have signed an agreement at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona to introduce 5G Standalone (SA) capabilities, expand core network capacity, and integrate Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES). This partnership marks a step in advancing Zimbabwe’s digital infrastructure and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and consumers.

Roy Chimanikire, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Deputy CEO, highlighted the significance of this agreement: “Partnering with Ericsson on this agreement marks a significant milestone for Econet as we drive the telecommunications ecosystem transformation in the country. We look forward to enhancing our network's scalability, reliability and efficiency while unlocking advanced capabilities like orchestration, automation, and virtualization.”

The partnership includes integrating Ericsson's 5G Core cloud-native network functions (CNFs), which will enhance scalability, automation, and efficiency in Econet’s network. Additionally, Econet will introduce Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), a special platform that lets businesses and app developers connect directly to Econet’s network using APIs (a way for software to communicate). This means new services can be created, like smart payment systems, better mobile banking, or even AI-powered customer support.

Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of Central and Eastern Africa, Alain Maupin, emphasized that the collaboration will help Econet prepare for the future of connectivity: “Our cutting-edge solutions will prepare the network for 5G Standalone and will provide next generation services that empower them to meet rising data demands while enabling scalable and secure network capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for advanced connectivity and groundbreaking opportunities in the region in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision.”

This upgrade will make Econet’s network more powerful, efficient, and ready for the future while creating new opportunities for businesses and everyday users. It will allow the network to fix issues automatically, meaning fewer service disruptions and better performance for users.

By modernizing its network infrastructure, Econet is positioning itself as a leader in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector, ensuring customers benefit from enhanced services, improved efficiency, and groundbreaking innovations in digital connectivity.

Hikmatu Bilali