“Technology which does not change lives is not relevant”
Econet Wireless launched its network on the back of overwhelming support from people of all walks of life, and the company’s market dominance since the network was launched in July 1998 is testimony of the continued support that Econet has and still continues to enjoy up to this very day. In recognition of this support, we adopted a customer-centric corporate pay-off line, "Your cellular network". However, we understand that times change and in keeping with the technological needs and expectations of our customers in particular and other stakeholders in general, we subsequently changed the pay-off line to "Inspired to change your world". This pay-off line recognizes that we need to make communications technology a truly relevant and positive transformative tool on society.
We have therefore decided to go beyond transforming peoples’ lives through our innovative products by also investing into the same community from which we emerged by supporting a wide range of corporate social investment initiatives primarily aimed at the disadvantaged such as orphans, as well as other sectors as education and sport, as well as business and religious bodies and organizations. This support is based on the firm belief that, as a company guided by Christian principles, it is better to give than receive. The company’s key social investment initiatives are as follows:
Joshua Nkomo Scholarship
Econet is humbled to associate itself with the launch of a Pan African Scholarship in honour of one of the country's founding fathers, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. The scholarship will sponsor 100 of the country's brightest high school and tertiary students, irrespective of race or financial background. The recipients of the scholarships are expected to have a strong community spirit and are required to volunteer to assist others by working with charity organisations during their holidays.The Scholarship is administered by a registered Trust, governed by a board of Trustees.
Capernaum Trust
In 1996, the Capernaum Trust was formed to transform the lives of orphaned children in economically destitute situations,to help them to become self-reliant individuals. It offers love, hope and inspiration through the provision of scholarships, food packs and life skills training to over 25 000 orphans nationwide.
The JNSF, which was launched in 2005, and issued its first scholarships in 2006, is administered through a registered trust that is governed by a board of trustees who are independent of Econet and its Management. Administratively, the JNSF is run by a general manager appointed by the trustees. The fund will annually grant 100 scholarships to students who will be expected to have a strong community spirit and maintain the highest academic as well as personal/moral standards in their community.
Employment Creation
.jpg)
In line with its vision to bring communication to all people of Zimbabwe, Econet has invested massively in community phone shops and payphones. In the process of bringing convenience to those communities, it has also assisted in empowering the community by giving them a chance to be entrepreneurs and running these phone shops and payphones which operate under the "YourFone" brand.
Sports Sponsorships 
Econet provides sponsorship for the annual Harare Athletic Club (HAC) Twenty Miler Road Race. The Twenty Miler, which has been held every December for the past three decades to raise funds for charity, is one of Zimbabwe's most prestigious sporting events
The company also supports various sporting activities in the country, which include football, cricket and athletics amongst others. Econet has gone further to form its own soccer team, the Buddie Boys which takes part in the country’s Communications League.
Company HIV/AIDS Policy
Econet is convinced that HIV and AIDS have the potential to waste valuable trained human resources and reduce productivity. It also has a big impact on its employees’ well being, because outside the workplace it can take its toll through the effort and resources needed to care and provide for sick family members. Policies and structures have therefore been put in place to address this concern.
Firstly, the company undertakes to provide anti-retroviral drugs for the infected employee and other members of their immediate family. Secondly, the Econet Human Resources Department has launched an HIV/AIDS programme for employees and their spouses, entitled Live 2 Love. This programme provides an open forum for staff members and their families to share information, and is at their disposal, should you require support on how to deal with the challenges associated with HIV/AIDS. The company would like to play its part in encouraging members of society not to discriminate and stigmatise fellow citizens afflicted by HIV/AIDS and help to fight any prejudice against them.
p>
