THE Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which is set for July 6, continues to grow in stature with thousands once again expected to throng the world-renowned tourist resort for this year’s edition of the event. What began in 2006 as a niche sporting event for elite athletes and adventurers has transformed into Zimbabwe’s most inspiring grassroots wellness movement – igniting a nationwide shift toward fitness, mental well-being, nutrition, and holistic living, hence the massive growth in participation over the past two decades. And as participants prepare for the July 6 race, which winds through scenic trails along the Zambezi River and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the event continues to inspire Zimbabweans across all walks of life to embrace healthier lifestyles. “The marathon has changed my life,” says Thandeka Moyo, a 47-year-old banker from Bulawayo. “It started with daily walks to manage my anxiety. Then I began running. Now I feel stronger, mentally sharper, and spiritually uplifted.” Moyo is one of the thousands experiencing personal transformation. In the months leading up to the event, local gyms, community parks, and fitness clubs are buzzing with first-time runners – many motivated by more than medals. From 7km fun runners to 42km marathoners, Zimbabweans are reclaiming their health, one step at a time.

“It’s more than a race – it’s a national fitness festival,” says Angeline Nyathi, who leads a wellness club in Kwekwe. “We’ve seen families, church groups, and co-workers train together. It’s brought communities closer – physically and emotionally.” The ripple effects are nationwide. Schools are integrating marathon training into physical education. NGOs are using the platform to promote youth mental health. Workplaces are launching fitness challenges and employee wellness campaigns. From Harare to Hwange, and Gweru to Mutare, weekend jogging groups and wellness boot camps are reshaping lifestyles. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Falls, the race offers more than a physical challenge – it’s a mental and spiritual reset. “There’s something sacred about running through that landscape,” says South African fitness enthusiast Siphesihle Makhurane. “You breathe in the wild air, let go of your stress, and reconnect with yourself. It’s like nature’s therapy.” Mental health professionals have praised the marathon for promoting endorphin-boosting exercise, social connection, and time in nature – vital tools in combating depression, anxiety, and burnout. Corporates are also embracing the momentum. Numerous nationwide companies are sponsoring entry fees, and creating wellness programmes to boost employee well-being – proving that the marathon is not just a sporting event, but a movement. Tendai “Tito” Zinyoro and Ethel Pangiso are the defending champions in the men’s and women’s 42,2km races.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe made history last Friday by being the first company to sweep four top awards at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), including the coveted Presidential Award for the Supreme Zimbabwean Exhibit or the best Overall Best Stand. Econet, the largest technology and telecoms company in Zimbabwe, also got the Best Zimbabwean ICT Exhibit award, the Zimbabwean Exhibit with Best Thematic Representation award, and the Most Experiential Zimbabwean Exhibit award at the 2025 edition of the ZITF held under the theme Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape from last Monday to yesterday. The awards were handed to the company’s senior executives at the official opening of the ZITF on Friday, by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who was the guest of honour atthis year’s 65th edition of the regional fair. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the patron of the ZITF and Chapo’s official host also attended at the opening ceremony. Econet group chief executive officer Douglas Mboweni welcomed the awards, saying they were a reflection of the company’s concerted efforts to drive digital transformation in Zimbabwe.

“We are honoured and humbled to receive these awards, which are testament to our commitment to driving economic empowerment through innovation and the latest technologies, and to the hard work of our teams across the business” Mboweni said.

“We truly thank God and are grateful to all our customers — both consumer and enterprise customers — for their support, and for the support we continue to receive from our various stakeholders, including our regulators and the government through our parent ministry and other public players.”

Held annually in Bulawayo, the ZITF is one of the largest and most prestigious trade expos in southern Africa, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and enterprises from across the region to showcase the best in business, technology, and industrial transformation. Econet’s double-story exhibition stand demonstrated great creativity and ingenuity as it showcased the company’s full digital ecosystem of broadband services, fintech innovations, renewable energy solutions, enterprise products, education platforms and sustainability initiatives. Visitors to the stand were taken through live demonstrations of Econet’s superfast 5G technology, cutting-edge IoT applications, immersive virtual reality experiences, intelligent chatbots, and next-generation customer engagement platforms — offering a glimpse into the future of connected work and living. The judges commended Econet for its “exceptional thematic execution” and “interactive engagement zones,” noting that the stand successfully captured the spirit of this year’s ZITF theme by demonstrating how technology can power an integrated economic future. ZITF adjudicators praised the company’s ability to blend form and function in a display that was both aesthetically captivating and rich in content.

Ericsson and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe have signed an agreement at Mobile World Congress 2025, Barcelona, Spain for the introduction of 5G Core functions, the necessary ingredient for the deployment of 5G Standalone (SA), an expansion of its core network capacity, and the introduction of Ericsson Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), Ericsson’s cloud-native service exposure function, to its network. As well as upgrading the Radio Access Network solutions provided by Ericsson, in 2023, Econet modernized its core network to Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution to support its 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) deployment and expansion. Now, it is adding 5G Core cloud-native network functions (CNF) which will enable it to introduce 5G SA on its network. Thanks to the cloud-native transformation already undergone by Econet, the introduction of these new network functions to the existing solution is simplified. It also means the cloud-native core network delivers high levels of orchestration and automation for operational efficiency and has given Econet new capabilities such as the scalable deployment of cloud-based core network functions and dynamic adjustment of network resources.

With the addition of the 5G Core CNFs, Econet will have a network that can meet expected data traffic growth, boosts mobile broadband capabilities, opens up a new dimension of use cases, and evolves existing services as well as develops new ones for enterprises and individual subscribers so it can further monetize its 5G connectivity. As part of the core network capacity expansion, Ericsson will provide Econet with lifecycle management for its existing and additional Ericsson Virtual Network Function (VNF) andCNF nodes. In addition, Econet will expand its existing Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) and Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS) to support workloads and further its ongoing cloud-native transformation to take advantage of the greater energy, resource and cost efficiency this new infrastructure brings. The infrastructure expansion will leverage the Ericsson Network Manager (ENM) and Ericsson Network Intelligent Query Statistics (ENIQ) tools for fault and performance management, ensuring that Econet maintains a robust, reliable, secure, and scalable network while preparing for next-generation services.

Econet will also introduce Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), that will enable Econet to securely expose core network capabilities to developers and ecosystem players through Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs). By integrating with Econet’s existing API platform, CCES will unlock innovative use cases and revenue opportunities, such as enabling partnerships with third-party applications and services. This solution is designed with cloud-native architecture and advanced security mechanisms, ensuring reliability andsafeguarding Econet’s network. Partnering with Ericsson on this agreement marks a significant milestone for Econet as we drive the telecommunications ecosystem transformation in the country. We look forward to enhancing our network’s scalability, reliability and efficiency while unlocking advanced capabilities like orchestration, automation, and virtualization. These capabilities pave the way for new services and revenue streams, driving growth for Econet and enhancing the digital experience of our customers.

– Roy Chimanikire, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe

We are honored to partner with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe while they embark on their telco cloud journey. Our cutting-edge solutions will prepare the network for 5G Standalone and will provide next generation services that empower them to meet rising data demands while enabling scalable and secure network capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for advanced connectivity and groundbreaking opportunities in the region in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision.

– Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Central and Eastern Africa, Ericsson Middle East and Africa

Building on their longstanding relationship of more than 27 years, the latest agreement between Ericsson and Econet supports the digital infrastructure goals of Smart Zimbabwe 2030 and reinforces their commitment to enabling the future of connectivity across the country

ECONET Wireless high-speed broadband package, Smartbiz, continues to elicit strong customer praise as users speak out on its reliability, affordability and great user experience in a local digital landscape that is becoming more competitive and undergoing tremendous change. Launched earlier this year, Econet’s cost-effective broadband solution for corporates, small-to- medium business enterprises, central and local government institutions and departments, non-governmental organisations, schools, colleges and universities, as well as church organisations, has quickly established itself as the most reliable high-speed internet product on the market. In recent interviews, clients described Econet SmartBiz in words such as “transformative” and “a clear choice”, citing its reliability, affordability, as well as its unmatched local support- qualities they say make it the most convenient option compared to competition. George Mutika, a logistics man- ager at Care International in Harare, said Smartbiz was great because of its flexibility and consistent customer support. “Our work relies on stable, high- speed Internet, and Smartbiz has been remarkably dependable. It’s a solution that truly delivers without buffering or downtime,” Mutika said. “We considered satellite-based options, but the high costs and limited local support ruled them out. With Smartbiz, we have confidence in the quality and the service, plus the peace of mind that comes from local support when we need it most.” SmartBiz is backed by Econet’s ubiquitous and nationwide LTE network infrastructure, as well as its powerful 5G network in major cities. It offers tailored solutions for Zimbabwean enterprises of varying sizes, providing high-speed broadband connectivity at very competitive prices compared to competition.

In Zimbabwe’s education sector, Smartbiz has allowed schools in both urban and rural areas to offer their students critical digital learning resources. Sacred Heart Junior School in Mashonaland Central, which recently signed up to Smartbiz, says the impact was immediate with students now enjoying uninterrupted access to online learning resources. “Smartbiz has brought digital learning within our reach, something we only dreamt of before,” said Sacred Heart headmaster, Kudakwashe Matanda “With fast, stable Internet and responsive local support, our students are finally able to explore the world online.” With set up costs ranging between US$60 and US$200, and monthly subscriptions of as low as US$45 per month (allowing simultaneous connection of between 30 to 60 users) Econet SmartBiz has quickly become the option of choice for those who see Internet access as an essential connectivity work tool.

Tariro Mujuru, an agribusiness owner in the Midlands, said Smart-Biz has transformed her business daily operations. “SmartBiz gives us the reliable, high-speed Internet we need to stay connected with customers and sup- pliers,” she explained. “We’re now managing orders online, tracking inventory and holding virtual meetings seamlessly,” Mujuru said.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe last week exhibited at the Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) Expo in Bulawayo, where it showcased some of its next-generation technology solutions, particularly its private 5G networks. The company said the cutting-edge technologies will empower Zimbabwean mines to adopt smart mining solutions, aligning with global trends that leverage automation, data-driven decision-making and sustainability. Speaking at the expo, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe chief operating officer Mr Kezito Makuni said the company’s solutions were tailored to meet the growing demands of the modern mining industry, with a focus on boosting productivity, improving safety and driving operational efficiencies. “We are excited to showcase how our solutions can transform Zimbabwe’s mining industry,” Mr Makuni said. “By adopting smart mining technologies, local mines can increase productivity, reduce costs, and align with international best practice by ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness,” he said. The company’s B2B (business-to-business) unit is spearheading the development and deployment of automation, robotics and advanced analytics solutions that help optimise mining operations and boost output. Mr Makuni said the deployment of private 5G networks enabled real-time data processing, allowing remote operation of machinery and precise monitoring of mine conditions. This, he said, significantly reduces human exposure to hazardous environments, enhancing worker safety and minimising operational risks. Zimbabwe’s mining sector has long been one of the critical contributors to the nation’s economy, accounting for significant employment, foreign exchange earnings and infrastructure development. With vast mineral reserves – ranging from platinum, gold and diamonds to coal and lithium, the sector contributes over 60 percent of the country’s total export revenues, according to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe.

However, despite its strengths, the mining industry faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, fluctuating global commodity prices and environmental concerns. Makuni noted that the introduction of advanced technologies like private 5G networks will go a long way in transforming the sector. “These innovations enhance operational efficiencies and address sustainability concerns by reducing waste, optimising resource usage and promoting environmentally responsible practices,” he said.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has unveiled an interactive and educational tool designed to foster a love for learning while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among children. The new kids’ gaming platform makes education fun by offering a rich collection of games with educational content, carefully curated to support children’s cognitive growth in engaging ways. Econet said the platform focuses on foundational skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, while also stimulating creativity and logical thinking through playful yet structured activities. “Our new Kids Gaming Platform represents a step forward in combining technology with education to offer children an interactive way to learn,” Econet said in a statement. “Through the platform, we hope to inspire a love of learning in children while helping them build essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”The launch of the new platform comes at a time when digital learning tools are rapidly gaining popularity across the African continent. 

In 2022, there were an estimated 180 million gamers in Africa, including Zimbabwe, with about 30% of them being children. By 2025, the number is projected to rise to 200 million. Gaming has become a key source of entertainment and social interaction for Zimbabwean children, providing a valuable outlet for both recreation and educational development.

In response to this growing trend, Econet’s platform is designed to offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, positioning itself as a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to integrate modern technology into the learning environment. “With its variety of math puzzles, reading exercises, and interactive stories, the platform enhances children’s cognitive skills in an enjoyable and stimulating manner,” Econet said. “The platform is not just about fun — it’s about learning in a way that feels natural to children. By offering educational games that require critical thinking and creative problem-solving, we are challenging kids to explore different scenarios, make decisions, and find solutions.”Complementing the games is a collection of educational videos that cover a wide range of topics, from basic literacy and numeracy to science, making learning both interactive and accessible.

“The platform can be accessed online on https://mykidzhub.econet.co.zw using any device, allowing children to engage with the content at home or on the go,” Econet added. 

“The flexibility ensures that learning doesn’t stop, whether children are using smartphones, tablets, or computers.”All the games and videos on the platform have been carefully vetted to ensure they are educationally valuable and appropriate for young users. The content aligns with the developmental needs of children, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and thrive academically.Beyond academics, the platform also plays a significant role in developing crucial life skills such as teamwork, social interaction, and emotional intelligence.  With a child-friendly interface designed for easy navigation, children can easily explore the platform, selecting the games they wish to interact with. The intuitive design makes the learning experience both fun and user-friendly, ensuring that children can focus on their growth and development without being bogged down by complicated tech.

ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, last week successfully hosted a Men’s Summit dedicated to addressing men’s mental health issues in commemoration of the ‘Suicide Prevention Awareness Month’ of September. The well-attended event, which drew close to 600 male employees from across the company, was organized by the firm’s Wellness Programme ‘My WellBeing’ and sought to imbed a personal understanding of mental health challenges and encourage men to open up and take proactive steps in addressing their mental well-being. Econet Group chief executive officer, Dr Douglas Mboweni, who addressed the summit held at Wild Geese Lodge and conferencing facility in Harare, highlighted the importance of mental well-being in achieving professional and personal success.

“As men, we often carry many burdens, from providing for our families to meeting professional and work targets. But we must realize that success that comes at the expense of our health is meaningless,” he said. “A balanced life, where mental health is prioritized, is essential if we are to operate optimally and achieve our personal and professional goals,” Dr Mboweni said. Citing global studies that say men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women, and that suggest that mental health issues are often stigmatised among men, Dr Mboweni encouraged men to open up and seek help when faced with emotional or psychological challenges.

Leading psychiatrist, medical doctor, health, family and personal development expert, Dr Sacrifice Chirisa – who was one of the main speakers at the Summit – underscored the importance of addressing mental health issues early. “Suicide is often a cry for help, it’s not attention seeking” he said. “Men need to understand that it’s okay to seek help and ask for support. We must create spaces where men feel safe to open up about their struggles and emotional challenges without fear of criticism or judgment,” he said, adding that the silence around mental health issues was one of the major reasons men are disproportionately affected by suicide. Dr Chirisa stressed that employers play a critical role in creating mental health-friendly environments, saying workplaces must be proactive in supporting mental health initiatives, “especially for men who might feel societal pressure to ‘man up’ and suppress their emotions”.

The Summit was part of Econet’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace and among its employees and their families. Through various initiatives, including free counselling services, mental health workshops and wellness programmes, the company said it aimed to create a work and home environment where mental health is openly discussed, and support is given timeously. The World Health Organization (WHO) says globally, men are more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to women, making seminars like Econet’s Men’s Summit a vital platform for raising awareness and providing resources for timely intervention.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has brought early Christmas cheer to eight winners of the company’s 2023 Christmas promotion, with each lucky customer receiving a brand-new residential house fully equipped with a home solar system and Econet Smart Home security. The grand prize giveaway ceremony, held at Penrose Estate in Nyabira, about 30km north-west of Harare on Wednesday, was attended by the lucky winners and a team from Econet led by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Kezito Makuni. The Christmas promotion, dubbed “iKhisimusi Sifikile, Kisimusi Yatosvika – Tapinda Sesingenile” which was valued at over US$350 000, ran from November 2023 to February 2024. To qualify, Econet customers would simply recharge their mobile phones with at least US$5. During the promotion period, hundreds of participants won various prizes, including smartphones, gas stoves, airtime, cash prizes and branded regalia. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the houses, the winners expressed deep gratitude to Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe’s leading telecommunications and technology company, for the gesture. One of the grand prize winners, Ropafadzo Msida, a 25-year-old lady from Chiredzi, was ecstatic at winning a smart-house. “I never imagined I would win something so monumental. This house is more than just a prize; it’s the foundation of my family’s future. I am beyond thankful to Econet for making this possible,” said Msida, visibly emotional as she received the keys to her new home. Another winner, Rebecca Mushuku from Gutu in Masvingo, shared similar sentiments, saying she was in disbelief when she first heard she had won, and only believed after she had physically seen the house and signing the ownership papers. “All along, I thought it was a scam until I came here. Winning something this big was beyond my wildest dreams. I’m so thankful to Econet for turning my dream into reality,” she said. For Memory Chinyama, the news that he had won a house came at the perfect time. “I’ve been renting for years, and owning my own home seemed like a far-off dream. When I received the call, I was overwhelmed with joy! Thanks to Econet, I now have a place to call my own, which has completely transformed my life,” said Chinyama.

In addition to the grand prizes, Econet awarded home solar kits to other winners, a utility gift as Zimbabweans and the region at large continue to battle persistent power challenges. Rachidi Julius, from Raffingora, one of the solar kit recipients, expressed his appreciation: “With the ongoing power challenges, this solar kit will make a world of difference in my household. I can now rely on consistent power. Thank you Econet for this life-changing Christmas gift.” Meanwhile, five other lucky winners walked away with exciting holiday packages, with Econet sponsoring all-expenses-paid trips to Victoria Falls. Leon Masamba, one of the vacation package recipients, could hardly contain his excitement: “My family and I haven’t gone on a holiday in years, so this trip feels like a dream come true. God bless you Econet!”Makuni, hailed the success of the promotion, affirming the company’s commitment to rewarding its customers in meaningful ways. “We are excited at the overwhelming participation and level of customer engagement we have witnessed in our Christmas promotion. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to our valued customers in a way that positively impacts their lives. “Our customers are at the heart of our business, and this initiative is more than just rewards — it’s about making a tangible difference in our customers’ everyday lives. “We believe these gifts will bring joy and meaningful change to their lives just in time for the upcoming Christmas holidays,” Makuni said.

ECONET’S innovative smart meters, designed to transform water and energy management while driving sustainability across Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors, stole the limelight at the recent Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The cutting-edge e-M2M (Machine-to-Machine) integrated solution leverages advanced sensors, digital connectivity, and intuitive cloud-based software to provide real-time monitoring of crucial parameters, including temperature, humidity, location, energy consumption and water usage – all of great utility value in efficient resource management in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and mining. “Our smart meters – also known as the Cold Chain, Water and Energy Management Solution – are a transformative solution designed to empower businesses, public enterprises and local councils to optimize their operations, create efficiencies by minimizing waste and promote sustainability. “We believe that this technology can be a real game-changer across multiple sectors of the economy,” said Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s chief operating officer, Mr Kezito Makuni.

During the weeklong exhibition, Econet’s stand was abuzz with activity, drawing in commercial farmers, industry leaders, Government officials, policy makers and individual consumers – all eager to learn more about the ground breaking technologies the company was exhibiting. Mr Makuni said the smart meters offer substantial benefits for both water utilities and their customers. “This powerful water monitoring solution enhances water management, reduces waste, improves customer service and supports the efficient and sustainable use of water resources, essentially modernizing water infrastructure management and ensuring communities have access to clean water,” he said. The introduction of smart meters comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. Water management, in particular, is vital for agricultural productivity, given the sector’s heavy dependence on a reliable and consistent water supply. With Econet’s smart meters, farmers can monitor water consumption in real-time, detect leaks instantly and optimize usage, thereby ensuring crops receive the necessary amount of water without any wastage.

“Our solution allows farmers to make informed decisions about water use, helping them to conserve the precious resource while maximizing crop yields. It’s about creating a sustainable future for Zimbabwean agriculture, and guaranteeing food security,” Mr Makuni said. He added that other water-intensive industries, such as manufacturing and mining, also relied on effective water management in maintaining sustainable operations. “By exposing these sectors to detailed insights on water use, our e-M2M solution supports conservation efforts and drives significant cost savings,” Mr Makuni said, stressing that the solution was not limited to one industry. He added that efficient energy management was also a critical feature of the solution, allowing businesses to track and optimize their energy usage, reduce costs and contribute to a more sustainable environment. “In an economy, like many others in the region, where energy costs and supply issues still pose significant challenges to industries, the ability to monitor and manage energy consumption in real-time provides a competitive advantage and supports the creation of a resilient, efficient, and sustainable economy,” Mr Makuni said.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, has won both the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). The accolades are a recognition of the cutting-edge technology Econet is providing to multiple sectors of the economy, including the key agricultural sector. This year Econet’s stand at ZAS features engaging and interactive digital displays of its current services, showcasing product use cases as well as offering sneak previews into the future. The displays feature immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) capability demos, which visitors to the Show have been sampling and trying for themselves.

In addition, Econet has added a 3D Digital Billboard chronicling the company’s journey with its customers over the past 26 years. An Econet spokesman said this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show’s theme: “Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future,” sat well with the company’s commitment to leverage ICT to drive economic development and agricultural growth. Fungai Mandiveyi, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Media and Corporate Affairs Executive, said the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards that the company won, were a testament to the company’s innovation culture. “We are grateful for the recognition, and believe it partly stems from our innovation culture as a business.  “Our stand this year showcases how our products and services are transforming agriculture and positively impacting the economy by enabling farmers to access real-time information, connect with markets and improve productivity through the appropriate use of technology,” he said. The Econet stand – which features a range of innovative products and services tailored for the agricultural sector, the financial services sector and insurance sector, among others – has been attracting thousands of visitors, including policy makers, industry leaders and farmers keen to learn how digital solutions can enhance their farming operations. The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, one of the nation’s premier trade show, attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors annually from various sectors, showcasing the best of Zimbabwe’s agriculture, manufacturing and technology industries.