Econet’s tech-driven solutions turn heads at ZITF
RONALD MOYO IN BULAWAYO
Econet Wireless has emerged as a star attraction at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), turning its exhibition stand into more than just a showcase of technology—it has become a portal into a smarter, more connected Zimbabwe.
For thousands of visitors, the experience has sparked conversations about how digital innovations are reshaping everyday life and unlocking economic opportunities.
“It’s like stepping into the future,” said Mpumelelo Moyo, a small business owner from Bulawayo. “The SmartBiz package especially caught my eye. It’s reliable, affordable, and exactly what entrepreneurs like us need to stay online and keep serving customers—even when the power or network goes down.”
Econet’s double-storey stand, dazzling with LED transparent screens, kinetic lighting, and immersive digital displays, has earned admiration not just for its aesthetics, but for the real-world solutions it houses. From AI-powered customer service tools to live 5G demos, the stand is being praised by analysts as a bold statement of Econet’s continued leadership in driving Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
“This is beyond just marketing. Econet is demonstrating practical technology that serves our economy—especially sectors like agriculture, education, and small-scale manufacturing,” said tech analyst Rutendo Chikukwa. “Their private 5G demos, which showed remote industrial monitoring and VR simulations, hint at a major shift in how our industries will operate.”
One standout for many visitors has been Yamurai, Econet’s conversational AI assistant, and EcoChat, a platform offering fast responses to customer queries. These tools have drawn praise for making support more accessible, especially in areas where customers struggle to access physical service centers.
For NGOs, schools, and churches, the SmartBiz internet package has been a game-changer. “The ability to maintain a connection even during power cuts means fewer disruptions for our school,” said Margaret Marimo, a headmistress from Gweru. “We’re already looking at how we can integrate this into our e-learning platforms.”
Analysts have also taken note of Econet’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. Strategic partnerships with brands like Huawei, Samsung, Itel, and Astro are making devices more accessible to underserved communities.
“This is a critical step for digital inclusion,” said economic researcher Brian Dube. “Affordable smartphones are no longer a luxury—they are a gateway to education, commerce, and access to financial services. Econet is clearly aligning its strategy with national development goals.”
Visitors have also lauded Distributed Power Africa (DPA), Econet’s clean energy subsidiary, for offering off-grid solar solutions tailored for rural and peri-urban areas. “These are life-changing technologies,” said Tambudzai Nyathi, a clinic administrator. “We’re looking at solar systems that can power our vaccine refrigerators and communication tools without relying on erratic power supply.”
Fintech products such as EcoCash, EcoSure, and Moovah continue to resonate strongly with the public. Many families expressed appreciation for EcoCash Remittances, which allows loved ones in the diaspora to send money home securely and instantly.
“This is how I paid my son’s school fees last term,” said Lindiwe Sibanda, a mother from Plumtree. “The money came in while I was in town, and I cashed it out within minutes. It’s that kind of reliability we need in our lives.”
As ZITF 2025 continues, the consensus among analysts and customers alike is clear: Econet is not just showcasing technology—it is providing real, scalable solutions that support economic resilience and growth.
“This is what national industrialisation should look like—integrated, inclusive, and driven by practical innovation,” said Chikukwa.
