Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe continues to make significant investments in renewable energy solutions and green technologies to power its operations, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance overall sustainability.
The company has highlighted the growing impact of global warming on the telecommunications industry, noting that rising temperatures are driving up operational costs due to increased energy demand for cooling infrastructure.
According to Econet’s 2025 Integrated Annual Report, the effects of global warming are contributing to higher temperatures, which in turn elevate the energy required to cool telecommunications equipment.
This results in increased operational costs and greater energy consumption. Additionally, drought conditions — such as those affecting the Kariba Dam — have reduced hydroelectricity generation, forcing a heavier reliance on diesel generators for backup power. This shift not only raises costs but also contributes to higher GHG emissions.
In response, Econet has implemented a comprehensive energy strategy focused on integrating renewable energy, upgrading efficiency, and aligning supply chain management with sustainability goals.
The company stated that its approach includes investing in green technologies and renewable energy solutions, which have also created employment opportunities. Its standby diesel generators operate within specified emissions thresholds and are not considered significant contributors to GHG emissions.
Econet has also introduced sustainability screening processes for suppliers and partners to ensure alignment with its environmental policies. A central element of its sustainability strategy is the transition to renewable energy for network operations, aimed at reducing GHG emissions.
To date, the company has deployed 380 solar-powered sites, generating 3 315 815 kWh of power and avoiding an estimated 3 249 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions through solar PV generation.
In addition to solar integration, Econet is adopting energy-efficient technologies and best practices to optimise power consumption. During its financial year (FY25), the company reported total annual energy consumption of 872 970 976 megajoules (MJ). Diesel fuel accounted for 82,7 percent of the energy mix, followed by electricity at 16,4 percent, petrol at 0,8 percent, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 0,02 percent.
The company acknowledged that its heavy reliance on diesel — due to its higher energy density compared to petrol and LPG — underscores its central role in operations.
However, this dependency also presents opportunities to explore alternative energy sources and improve energy efficiency to mitigate environmental impact.
As part of its climate action roadmap, Econet has set ambitious carbon reduction targets. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The transition to renewable energy is already underway, with 282 sites and eight offices now powered by solar energy.
Battery upgrades have been completed at 467 sites to further enhance energy efficiency.
Beyond its operational efforts, Econet is actively involved in disaster recovery initiatives, community resilience projects and infrastructure restoration programmes, including road reconstruction following Cyclone Idai.
The company emphasised that its renewable energy programme not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to national efforts to expand clean energy adoption and strengthen climate resilience.
