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 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.