• Econet Wireless Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson to integrate AI into its network operations.

• The partnership will focus on AI-driven network optimization, 5G Advanced features, and IoT services.

• Econet, which holds more than 73% of Zimbabwe’s mobile market, is betting on AI to improve performance and efficiency.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) signed a memorandum of understanding last week with Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson to strengthen its network infrastructure using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

The initiative aims to improve network performance, increase service reliability, and enhance the overall user experience.

According to Ericsson, the joint innovation programs will focus on several areas, including AI-driven optimization of radio access networks (RAN), 5G Advanced capabilities, open network APIs, network slicing, and services based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The partners also plan to deploy AI-powered automation tools designed to improve operational and energy efficiency, reduce the network’s carbon footprint, and expand the coverage and capacity of both 4G and 5G networks.

The agreement comes as Econet increasingly integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning into its operating model. The company says AI is expected to support the development of more autonomous networks capable of self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-repair with minimal human intervention.

Jim Myers, chairman of EWZ, said leveraging AI will help deliver a smoother experience for customers across the company’s services. He added that expanding the use of AI in operations and continuing to invest in innovation will help the group improve profitability, broaden its product and service offerings, and support revenue growth while protecting margins.

Econet remains the dominant telecom operator in Zimbabwe. According to the latest figures from the national telecom regulator, the company had 11.78 million mobile subscriptions and a market share of 73.23%. Its competitors NetOne and Telecel held shares of 24.78% and 1.99%, respectively. Econet also controlled 82.21% of the country’s internet traffic as of June 2025.

For 2025, the company reported revenue of 22.2 billion ZiG, or about $866.36 million, up 23% from 2024. Net profit rose 274% year over year to reach 2.3 billion ZiG.

Isaac K. Kassouwi