Colletta Dube
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ECONET InfraCo says it achieved significant operational milestones across its three core business pillars during the quarter ended 31 May, underpinned by continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure, renewable energy and strategic property developments.
In its inaugural trading update since listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), the integrated infrastructure company said it remained focused on expanding its tower network, accelerating solar energy deployment and advancing flagship real estate projects.
The business operates through three vertically aligned divisions comprising Tower Infrastructure (TowerCo), Power Infrastructure and Services (PowerCo) and Property Holdings (PropertyCo).
“The core strategic thrust of the business remains the deployment of new operational sites and towers to support the Tower and Power business segments.
“Key highlights in the quarter included the deployment of ninety (90) new base station sites, coupled with the progressive deployment of solar systems to new and existing sites,” the company said.
The infrastructure group also intensified its adoption of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiencies.
During the period, it expanded the use of AI to enhance predictive generator maintenance, optimise fuel consumption and improve network reliability.
The phased rollout of its AI Fuel Manager has reduced energy consumption while improving infrastructure availability and uptime, while AI-enabled Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) and Digital Twin technologies for towers continued to strengthen operational efficiency.
Within TowerCo, the company said network expansion remained its primary priority as it seeks to meet increasing demand for coverage and capacity from existing and prospective customers.
“The primary operational focus for this business unit remained the deployment of new sites to cater to the capacity and coverage requirements of our new and existing customers.
“The new site deployments are strategically designed to drive revenue growth through a capital-efficient co-location model, with an active pipeline of new tenant negotiations underway.”
PowerCo continued to advance its strategy of transitioning telecommunications sites from diesel-powered backup systems to solar energy, a move aimed at lowering operating costs while improving energy security.
“Through PowerCo, Econet InfraCo provides reliable, sustainable power services to both telecom and non-telecom clients. For our telecom clients, our operational strategy is centred on the progressive deployment of solar energy to sites.
“This strategic pivot reduces reliance on diesel generators and mitigates the effects of erratic grid supply.”
Although Zimbabwe has not experienced fuel supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the company noted that higher diesel prices have reinforced the importance of renewable energy investments.
A major milestone during the quarter was the commencement of Phase One of Econet InfraCo’s planned 100-megawatt solar farm, the listed form said.
“Once fully operational, this facility will supply clean, renewable energy to developments within the Econet Tech City,” the company said.
The PropertyCo division also posted steady performance, with its real estate portfolio generating stable rental income in line with prevailing market conditions.
The company said progress on its flagship TechCity development in Harare and the Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas remained on schedule, with ground-breaking targeted during the third quarter of the financial year.
It added that both projects had already attracted expressions of interest from multiple sectors, signalling encouraging market demand.
Online Reporter