• Econet launches AI unit, Econet AI, targeting rising demand
• Offers free Google Gemini access, unveils Cassava AiCloud platform
• Move reflects telecom shift toward AI, cloud, and B2B growth

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe launched a dedicated artificial intelligence business unit on Thursday to meet growing demand for AI solutions in the country.

Dubbed Econet AI, the unit unveiled a range of products and tools aimed at accelerating AI adoption across sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy. Among the announcements, the company said it would offer subscribers six months of free access to Google Gemini starting in May. It also introduced Cassava AiCloud, a platform that gives Zimbabwean businesses access to high-performance computing powered by high-speed processors designed to handle complex, simultaneous tasks. The infrastructure is hosted at the Cassava AI Factory in South Africa, currently the only facility of its kind on the African continent.

“Our experience shows that AI is a remarkable technology that every business should be deploying. It dramatically reduces costs and has the potential to significantly grow revenue,” said Douglas Mboweni, group chief executive of Econet. He added that the operator is already applying AI across its operations to improve customer experience, optimize network performance and strengthen decision-making.

The launch comes as African telecoms operators increasingly diversify beyond traditional voice, data and SMS services. The GSMA notes that rising demand for digital solutions from businesses is creating significant opportunities for operators, at a time when average revenue per user is stagnating or even declining in some markets.

Segments such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and the Internet of Things are emerging as new growth drivers. According to GSMA Intelligence, the potential global B2B market for telecoms operators exceeds $400 billion, representing about 35% of current mobile sector revenues.

Isaac K. Kasssouwi