Econet honoured for its sustainable economic and social impact
23 August 2022
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was on Friday night honoured in Mutare at the South-East Region 2022 Provincial Responsible Business and CSR Awards for its role in positively and sustainably impacting lives in the nation.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe (CSRNZ), which hosted the event, said the telecommunications company won “The Excellence in Community Empowerment & Social Impact Award” for its “continued efforts in supporting issues of sustainability in the South-East Region”.
The winners of the awards were drawn from diverse sectors of the economy and from different industries that have created a positive impact towards Zimbabwe’s sustainable development agenda.
“We are delighted to have been awarded this honour. It is such recognition that motivates us to continue investing in various projects and initiatives that positively impact lives,” said Econet’s chief sales officer, Mrs Ivy Sithole, as she received the award on behalf of the company.
Mrs Sithole also dedicated the award to Econet’s customers, who have supported the company over the years. “Without our customers, we would not have been able to do much in the communities we serve. It is through their business when they buy airtime, data and many of our products and services that we can plough back into the communities we operate in,” she said.
Through Higherlife Foundation, the company’s philanthropic partner, Econet has over the past two decades contributed towards the building of future leaders, educating children and providing developmental support to communities in all provinces of Zimbabwe.
"We believe in increasing access for young people is imperative to helping them thrive in today's competitive world. Over the years our education programs through Higherlife Foundation have impacted the lives of more than 350 000 children and young people through scholarships, and more than 650 000 students through digital learning platforms,” said Mrs Sithole.
In addition, Higherlife has also invested over US$60 million in healthcare and crisis response, while over US$100 million has been committed to rural investment to create jobs and sustain livelihoods. In 2021, the foundation supported 1 106 Pfumvudza plots with agricultural inputs and technical expertise.
Mrs Sithole added that Higherlife trained over 125 teachers on Disaster Relief Preparedness, while 300 community leaders are currently under training in Manicaland, with the programme expected to be rolled out to Masvingo and Mashonaland East soon.
“Our commitment to building back better and restoring dignity to families and communities affected by the 2019 Cyclone Idai disaster remains stedfast. Whilst restoration efforts are inherently a long-term project – not made easier by challenging economic conditions – we are pleased to report significant progress in our endeavours,” she said.
The 2022 CSR Awards, which were running under the theme “Celebrating Sustainability Excellence –Towards Achieving Vision 2030” were held at Golden Peacock Hotel in Mutare.