Eonet steps up efforts to create jobs

STAFF WRITER
Econet is stepping up efforts to create jobs and support Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, following a directive from its founder and Group Chairman Mr Strive Masiyiwa.
Econet Zimbabwe CEO Dr Douglas Mboweni said the company’s management had held several meetings with Mr Masiyiwa to explore ways the business could complement government efforts to assist returnees.
“We are looking at various projects aimed primarily at creating even temporary jobs,” Dr Mboweni said.
“For instance, we are looking at how we can fast-track some of our work at Econet Tech City, particularly construction. We could provide about 2 000 jobs in the short term as we ramp up construction.”
He said Econet also planned to expand its AgriTech operations, which produce fruit for export to China, potentially creating hundreds of additional jobs.
As part of the initiative, EcoCash, Econet’s mobile money business, plans to recruit 15 000 new agents by Christmas.“Each time we appoint a new agent, that results in at least two jobs. So this is one way we think we can help,” Dr Mboweni said.
He added that Econet was engaging the government on some of its initiatives and was responding to calls for businesses to play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing returning Zimbabweans.“As industry and business, we have to use all the tools at our disposal to help our fellow citizens,” he said.
Dr Mboweni urged other companies to follow Econet’s lead by identifying opportunities to create employment, even if only on a temporary basis, to help ease and help alleviate the difficulties faced by people returning from South Africa.
“We are not farmers, but we are putting money into agricultural initiatives because they are a quick way to create jobs,” he said.