Econet Wireless is committed to conserving biodiversity and the ecosystem services that underpin human wellbeing, economic development, and climate resilience. We recognise that our operations may impact natural habitats and species if not carefully managed. That is why we integrate environmental responsibility into all aspects of our business.

We aim to:

• Conduct Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for all infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas, in accordance with Zimbabwean legislation and international best practices.
• Avoid, minimise, and mitigate ecological impacts through responsible site selection, use of existing infrastructure corridors, and restoration of disturbed land.
• Preserve natural buffers by avoiding critical habitats, protected areas, and biodiversity hotspots around our facilities.
• Collaborate with conservation authorities, and communities to implement biodiversity enhancement initiatives such as tree planting, and community-led conservation projects.
• Promote biodiversity awareness among employees and suppliers and embed ecosystem thinking into operational planning.

Responsible waste management is essential to protecting both environmental and public health. As the digital economy expands, so does the volume of electronic and operational waste. At Econet Wireless, our approach is guided by the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover.

Key elements of our waste management strategy include:

• Electronic waste management: We ensure that e-waste, including decommissioned mobile devices, batteries, network equipment, and accessories, is properly collected, audited, and processed through licensed, compliant recycling facilities.
• Operational waste: We actively promote a paperless culture and the digitisation of internal processes to reduce resource consumption.
• Product design: In collaboration with technology partners, we advocate for eco-design in devices and equipment, incorporating recyclable materials and modular components to enable easier repair and reuse.
• Circular economy: Through responsible resource stewardship, Econet Wireless is fostering a culture of sustainability within our community’s digital ecosystem.

We recognize that energy is fundamental to delivering reliable connectivity and advancing digital inclusion. Econet Wireless is committed to increasing our use of renewable energy and improving operational efficiency to support a more sustainable future.

Our energy strategy is anchored on three core pillars: renewable energy transition, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation.

• Renewable energy: We are steadily expanding the use of solar power across our network infrastructure, with a focus on off-grid and underserved areas. Through investments in hybrid and renewable solutions, we aim to significantly increase the share of clean energy powering our network sites.
• Energy efficiency: We are reducing energy consumption by implementing energy management systems, intelligent automation, and next-generation infrastructure. This includes efficient cooling systems, LED lighting, and real-time monitoring to eliminate energy waste.
• Sustainable innovation: We continue to explore innovative opportunities in renewable energy and support the development of sustainable energy policies. Our goal is to strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and promote inclusive development.

Econet Wireless recognises climate change as one of the most pressing global challenges, with profound impacts on ecosystems, human health, and economic stability. We are committed to playing our part in addressing this crisis by reducing our carbon footprint and supporting both national and global climate goals.

 

We are dedicated to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our operations, in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Our climate strategy includes:

• Setting science-based targets to halve Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect from energy use), and Scope 3 (value chain) emissions by 2030.
• Deploying energy-efficient technologies, including low-power radio equipment and advanced cooling systems in our network infrastructure.
• Embedding climate risk assessment and resilience planning into our operational and investment decisions.
• Collaborating with suppliers to reduce emissions across our value chain and promote transparency through environmental disclosures.
• Engaging our stakeholders in climate education and awareness initiatives.

We will monitor and report our progress annually, continuously refining our approach in line with technological advancements and evolving best practices.