Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s three-day E-Novate Expo delivered a compelling preview of Africa’s digital future, drawing thousands of students, developers and technology leaders keen to explore the latest developments in technology, artificial intelligence, networks and consumer technologies.

From hands-on demonstrations of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based solutions to expert masterclasses, hackathons and e-gaming, the expo highlighted the pace at which Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem is evolving, in line with global innovation trends.

Held this week at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), the expo attracted some of the world’s leading technology brands, including Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung and ZTE, and mirrored the innovation-rich atmosphere seen at major global events such as Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, CES in Las Vegas and GITEX Global in Dubai. Ericsson’s Key Accounts Manager, Luis Martins, said the Swedish technology giant’s partnership with Econet stretches back more than two decades. “It’s an honour for Ericsson to be present at this expo. We’ve worked with Econet since 1998 — right from the launch of 2G, through 3G and 4G, and now 5G. We are very pleased to be part of this journey,” he said.

Martins applauded the turnout, particularly among young people, and said he hoped the expo becomes a regular feature on Zimbabwe’s technology calendar, emphasising the need for continuous digital skills development.

“At Ericsson we not only provide network technologies — from core systems to radio access solutions — but also new and innovative solutions and offerings tailored to meet the needs of the Zimbabwean market,” he said.

A Huawei representative echoed the same sentiment, pointing to sustained infrastructure investment and Zimbabwe’s increasing adoption of next-generation technology.

“Zimbabwe has the talent and the ambition to build a digital economy. Our role is not only to provide technology, but to support the goal of connecting everyone and enabling new digital services. What we are seeing here is a country ready for the next leap,” the representative said.

Samsung’s regional representative said the expo clearly showed that innovation must be inclusive and accessible.

“For us, innovation is not only about devices, but also about usability and access. Partnering with Econet allows us to bring premium smartphone experiences to more people, and that’s essential for Africa’s digital growth,” the representative noted. ZTE, another major global technology firm, highlighted opportunities to introduce emerging device ecosystems to Zimbabwe and strengthen partnerships that drive affordability.

“We see tremendous opportunity here. By working closely with Econet we can expand access to smart devices and help accelerate digital adoption across Zimbabwe,” the ZTE official said.

Several technology experts at the event also spoke of Zimbabwe’s readiness to embrace global innovation trends, sparking deeper conversations about digital transformation, smart industries, cloud services, cyber-security and the growth of emerging tech talent.

The conference programme further provided start-ups with guidance on investment, entrepreneurship and competing on the global stage, ensuring young innovators left not only inspired, but better prepared to participate in Africa’s rapidly advancing digital future.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has launched its 2025 Christmas Promotion, once again offering customers the chance to win prizes worth up to US$500 000 – including six smart homes, four vehicles, eight solar systems, smartphones, home appliances, cash, airtime and more.

Running until February 28, 2026, the promotion is themed “iJoy After Joy”, reflecting Econet’s commitment to delivering sustained cheer throughout the festive season and into the new year.

Econet said all customers can automatically enter the weekly and monthly draws when they recharge with US$5 or more per week, when they make EcoCash transactions of at least US$25 per month,

when they subscribe to SmartSuite data packages, buy a device from the Econet Online Shop, or when they purchase a new Econet SIM card. No completion of forms is required.

The company said it is committed to delivering meaningful value to customers during the festive season – a time that holds deep cultural and emotional significance for many families.

“Christmas carries deep emotional and cultural importance to Zimbabweans, and we want our customers to feel appreciated during this season,” a company spokesman said.

“By offering smart homes, solar systems and other practical prizes, we are giving families the opportunity to improve their everyday lives. This promotion is our way of saying thank you to the millions who continue to choose Econet.”

Econet – a publicly listed telecommunications and technology company – now serves more than 16 million connected customers.

Since introducing the annual Christmas Promotion in 2019, Econet has given away close to US$2 million in prizes, including 12 smart homes, 16 residential stands, 48 solar systems, five brand-new cars, five holiday packages, and thousands of smaller prizes such as cash, appliances and airtime