Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe recorded revenue growth of 21 percent for the half-year ended August 31, 2026, supported by sustained demand for connectivity, insurance and financial services.
Performance across its four strategic pillars — Mobile Network Operations, Financial Technology, Econet Infrastructure and Econet AI — strengthened the group’s growth, resilience and integrated digital ecosystem.
Econet chairman Dr James Myers said artificial intelligence had become an increasingly important part of the group’s business strategy, moving from experimentation into core operations and product development.
“We have moved beyond experimentation and are increasingly embedding AI into customer experience, network optimisation, operational efficiency, product innovation and the development of new revenue streams,” Dr Myers said in a statement accompanying the financial results.
Capital expenditure represented 13 percent of revenue, primarily supporting network capacity and service resilience. Data traffic increased by 60 percent and voice traffic by 21 percent, reinforcing the need for continued investment in reliable connectivity.
The group accelerated artificial intelligence adoption across customer service, network optimisation, operational efficiency and product development, while pursuing new revenue opportunities.
Econet AI recruited more than 100 engineers and specialists. Dr Myers said its partnership with Cassava AI provides access to NVIDIA accelerated computing infrastructure, enabling practical AI solutions across telecommunications, finance, agriculture, insurance, mining, healthcare, retail, logistics, education and government.
He said the AI portfolio includes CAIMEx, a multi-model access platform, and EcoChat AI, supporting customer and enterprise engagement. Google Gemini was introduced free of charge to eligible customers, expanding access to productivity tools.
Yamurai, the group’s AI-powered customer engagement platform, introduced Shona-language voice responses, with Ndebele and other local languages planned to improve accessibility and support.
Dr Myers said Econet also launched EcoAI Tokens, providing access to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Mistral through one bundled subscription. Customers can switch models, compare responses and manage workflows through a single platform.
Within mobile operations, AI-enabled predictive analytics, automated fault resolution and network optimisation are improving availability, streamlining provisioning and helping manage costs. These capabilities support proactive service assurance and position the business to scale more efficiently as demand for connectivity grows.
Power-related issues accounted for approximately 60 percent of network availability challenges. The group therefore commenced a nationwide solar deployment programme at base stations. Plans are under way to commission a power plant during the coming year to support core network infrastructure and data centres.
Econet said that additional 4G and 5G base stations have been ordered to expand coverage and capacity. The 3G network will be retired once the remaining customers migrate to 4G, improving performance and resource efficiency. Engagement with authorities on spectrum utilisation and reuse, alongside initiatives supporting affordable 4G devices, will enhance customer experience and reduce legacy technology costs.
The EcoCash Super App surpassed one million downloads, reflecting growing adoption of integrated payments, communication and lifestyle services. Phased financial innovations and investment in mobile money technology supported higher transaction volumes, stronger wallet funding and broader customer reach.
Econet Infraco, the group’s recently listed infrastructure business, continued investing in renewable energy and resilience. Average generator running times declined as AI-driven predictive maintenance, fuel optimisation and infrastructure monitoring expanded.
Phase One of the 100 MW solar farm continued to progress. Dr Myers said that, once operational, it will supply Econet Tech City developments, including the Willowvale and Pockets Hill data centres. Ground-breaking for Econet Tech City and the Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas development is planned for early next year.
Econet installed solar systems at 86 clinics through Econet Infraco, with further deployments under way. Mini-grids also supplied electricity to schools, healthcare facilities and surrounding communities.
Econet maintained constructive regulatory engagement and strengthened compliance covering data protection, cyber security and AI governance.
Dr Myers said growth prospects remain supported by greater 4G and 5G device adoption, broader broadband coverage, enterprise digital transformation, ecosystem partnerships and migration towards higher-value digital services. AI will remain central to service quality, efficiency, personalisation and new revenue opportunities.
The company declared and paid interim dividends of 1.30 US cents per share for the half-year ended 31 August 2026.
