Econet InfraCo to build 300-hectare industrial park, data centre near Harare airport
STAFF WRITER
Econet InfraCo, the infrastructure company being spun out of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, is set to develop a 300-hectare industrial park near Robert Mugabe International Airport.
The land will be transformed into a modern industrial hub supported by a 100-megawatt solar power plant, alongside a large-scale data centre.
The company said the project is designed to attract businesses seeking proximity to the airport for manufacturing and export-led activities, with dedicated power and water infrastructure to support operations.
“Our vision is to create infrastructure such as power and water facilities needed for a modern industrial park. This will make it easier for investors to come in, take advantage of the location, and create jobs,” Econet group chief executive officer Douglas Mboweni said.
Mboweni said development would be phased, including the gradual rollout of the 100MW solar plant in line with demand, adding that work on the first phase has already begun.
Once approvals are secured, the project is expected to rank among the most ambitious private developments since Independence and to align with Government’s national industrial development plans. Mboweni said the initiative is one of several major projects approved by Econet Group founder Strive Masiyiwa.
“This is going to be huge, and we will soon be presenting our plans to the Government,” he said.
The plans were disclosed at the public unveiling of Econet InfraCo, which Mboweni said is not a new business but a long-standing unit within Econet Wireless Zimbabwe that has historically supported the group’s infrastructure needs. Econet has also announced plans to list Econet InfraCo on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
