The expansion of 5G in Africa is vital, aligning with global digital transformation trends and meeting the continent's increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. This development is essential to keep up with the growing need for faster internet access across the region.

Mobile network operator Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) is intensifying its rollout of 5G technology, adding 32 new base stations in Harare and planning an additional 120 sites. This was revealed in the operator’s Unreviewed Abridged Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the Half Year ended 31 August 2024.

The expansion aligns with the company's goal of creating "a digitally connected future that leaves no Zimbabwean behind," said EWZ Chairman James Myers. He emphasized the impact of the 5G expansion on service quality and user experience. “With this densification, the maximum user throughput has increased significantly, and the business is already realizing significant traffic growth in combined data market share, improved quality of service, and user throughputs,” he explained.

During the period, EWZ reported significant increases in both data and voice usage—up by 56% and 36%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Data revenue now contributes 47% of total revenue, a jump from 38%, while voice revenue dropped to 41% from 49%, reflecting the growing reliance on data services.

The capital expenditure for the period, which focused primarily on modernizing the network infrastructure, accounted for 26% of revenue, compared to just 10% in the previous period. This shift highlights the growing demand for data-intensive services over traditional offerings like voice and SMS, emphasizing the need for the business to innovate and invest adequately to maintain a high-quality customer experience.

Econet's 5G expansion highlights the transformative potential of advanced mobile technologies in Zimbabwe. By boosting internet speeds, the move positions EWZ as a key player in shaping the country’s digital future.

Zimbabwe's current internet penetration rate stands at 73.3% as of 2023, reveals data from Postal & Telecommunications Abridged Sector Performance Report Fourth Quarter 2023. The rollout of 5G offers the potential to narrow this gap by enabling faster connectivity and fostering digital inclusion.

Hikmatu Bilali