Econet Leverages AI and Network Expansion to Drive Growth Across Core Businesses
In its trading update published on January 15, 2026, the Group highlighted sustained investments in network infrastructure and intelligent technologies as central to meeting changing customer demands.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has reported a resilient performance for the third quarter ended 30 November 2025, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a leading digital services provider amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In its trading update published on January 15, 2026, the Group highlighted sustained investments in network infrastructure and intelligent technologies as central to meeting changing customer demands.
During the quarter, Econet deployed an additional 103 base stations and sites nationwide, including 27 lightweight and cost-effective base stations targeted at developing urban centres and rural communities. The rollout aims to improve connectivity in historically underserved areas while supporting rising demand driven by urbanisation. The expanded infrastructure is expected to underpin future innovations, including new digital products and internet of things (IoT) use cases.
The Group also completed a core network expansion for voice and data services, resulting in improved service quality. In parallel, it entered the final phase of commissioning a new billing and subscription platform designed to automate key business processes and enable more personalised, customer-centric digital experiences.
Artificial intelligence remained a key pillar of Econet’s digital transformation strategy. The company continued progressing toward an autonomous network powered by AI and machine learning, with capabilities that allow the network to self-configure, self-optimise, self-heal, and self-learn. These developments are intended to enhance network security, reduce disruptions, and improve overall customer experience. AI is also being used to analyse customer usage patterns and deliver real-time, personalised services.
As part of its customer engagement efforts, Econet announced upgrades to YamuraiAI, its digital chatbot. The enhancements expand self-care functionality and include plans to roll out support in selected local languages, aimed at reducing waiting times across contact centres and improving service accessibility.
Strong Growth Across Business Segments
Ongoing investments in network infrastructure, targeted customer initiatives, and the expansion of mobile financial services continued to drive revenue growth across the Group’s major segments.
In mobile network operations (MNO), data usage increased by more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year, remaining the primary growth driver. Voice usage also grew by 35 percent year-on-year. The growth in traffic volumes underscores the importance of continued network capacity expansion and optimisation to sustain service quality and unlock further digital services revenue.
Within financial technology, EcoCash recorded a 28 percent increase in customer activity and a 36 percent rise in transaction volumes. Wallet funding grew by 91 percent compared to the prior year, while the mobile financial services footprint expanded by 88 percent, reflecting efforts to improve accessibility and financial inclusion.
The insurance segment also posted broad-based growth. Individual life policies increased by 10 percent, short-term insurance policyholders rose by 81 percent, and medical aid membership grew by 9 percent year-on-year.
Infrastructure Reorganisation and Shareholder Value
Subsequent to the quarter end, Econet completed a reorganisation that consolidated its real estate and passive telecommunications infrastructure assets into a standalone entity, Econet Infrastructure Company (Econet InfraCo). Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, the Group plans to delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and list Econet InfraCo on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange.
Engagements with the ZSE are ongoing, and the Group said it will issue a detailed circular to shareholders once regulatory processes are completed. Shareholders have been advised to continue exercising caution when trading the Company’s securities until further communication is issued.
Dividend and Outlook
The Board declared and paid an interim dividend of US 0.60 cents per share for the quarter ended 30 November 2025.
Looking ahead, Econet said the infrastructure carve-out is expected to provide clearer visibility into asset values, enable focused capital allocation, and support a distinct strategy for infrastructure deployment. Continued investment in modernised networks and AI-driven solutions—spanning fault detection, fraud prevention, and hyper-personalised customer experiences—will remain central to the Group’s efforts to diversify revenue streams and strengthen competitiveness.
