The recently announced partnership between Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Ericsson contains the promise of a transformative leap in the telecommunications landscape of Zimbabwe. Revealed at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, the collaboration focuses on bolstering Econet’s 5G capabilities, particularly through the introduction of 5G Standalone (SA) and core network enhancements. This alliance is set to mark a critical juncture in Zimbabwe’s journey toward advanced connectivity and digital innovation.
Advancing 5G Capabilities
5G Core and Network Enhancements
Building on the modernized core network established with Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution in 2023, Econet Wireless seeks to shift towards 5G Standalone (SA) by integrating 5G Core cloud-native network functions (CNF). The support for both 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) deployments was a significant initial step. However, the 5G SA integration will vastly improve network flexibility, orchestration, automation, and scalability. This technological advancement not only prepares Econet to handle the burgeoning data traffic but also extends mobile broadband services to a broader audience, supporting innovative enterprise and consumer offerings.
Part of this network enhancement involves an expansion of Ericsson’s lifecycle management, encompassing both existing and new Ericsson Virtual Network Function (VNF) and CNF nodes within Econet’s Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI). This extension, coupled with the implementation of the Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), aims to optimize energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The adoption of CNIS is designed to reduce operational burdens while ensuring the network remains agile and responsive to evolving technological demands.
Boosting Network Performance and Fault Management
To maintain a robust and scalable network structure in anticipation of next-generation services, Econet will leverage Ericsson Network Manager (ENM) and Ericsson Network Intelligent Query Statistics (ENIQ). ENM provides a unified management solution, enhancing network visibility, configuration, and fault management, which ensures high levels of operational efficiency. Meanwhile, ENIQ offers comprehensive data analytics capabilities, empowering Econet to improve network performance through intelligent insights and timely interventions.
The collaboration also includes the deployment of Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), which plays a crucial role in securely exposing Econet’s core network capacities to developers and ecosystem partners via APIs. This facilitates the creation of new revenue channels, the establishment of third-party partnerships, and the development of innovative use cases. The CCES’s cloud-native architecture ensures a high level of security and reliability, paving the way for a more dynamic and interactive telecommunications environment.
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
Transforming Zimbabwe’s Telecom Ecosystem
Roy Chimanikire, Deputy CEO of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, emphasized the significance of this partnership in revolutionizing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. The enhancements achieved through this collaboration are expected to significantly improve the scalability, reliability, and efficiency of Econet’s offerings. New services and revenue streams will emerge, enriching the digital experiences of Econet’s customers. This transformation is not just about technological upgrades but also about setting a new standard for customer experiences in Zimbabwe’s telco sector.
Econet’s steadfast commitment to advancing telecom infrastructure is reflected in this partnership, which aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader digital goals outlined in the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 initiative. This national agenda aims to harness the power of technology to foster economic development, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. By contributing to this vision, Econet and Ericsson are not merely enhancing a telecom network; they are playing pivotal roles in shaping the country’s digital future.
Ericsson’s Role and Vision
Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Central and Eastern Africa, expressed his admiration for the collaborative venture, noting that it represents a significant milestone in Econet’s telco cloud journey. Ericsson’s solutions will prepare Econet’s network for 5G Standalone and support the increasing data demands of a rapidly digitalizing society. By offering secure and scalable network capabilities, Ericsson supports Zimbabwe’s ambition to become a leading player in the regional digital economy.
This collaboration is consistent with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision, which seeks to accelerate connectivity advancements and unlock groundbreaking opportunities across the African continent. By partnering with key regional players like Econet, Ericsson aims to drive digital transformation and economic growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in telecommunications.
The partnership between Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Ericsson, underpinned by a 27-year-long relationship, furthers Zimbabwe’s ambitions for robust digital infrastructure. As they continue to collaborate on pioneering technological solutions, the enhancements in network performance and innovative potential promise to usher in a new era of connectivity, setting the stage for Zimbabwe’s comprehensive digital transformation by 2030.