Global telecom technology company Ericsson and leading mobile operator Econet Wireless Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered mobile networks and next-generation digital services in Zimbabwe.
The agreement was signed during the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, and will see the two companies collaborate on designing, testing and deploying advanced mobile technologies including AI-driven automation, enhanced network security and 5G Advanced solutions.
AI and 5G to Transform Network Performance
Under the partnership, the companies will roll out innovation programmes focused on improving network efficiency and reliability. Key initiatives include AI-driven radio access network optimisation, energy-efficient network evolution, network slicing, exposed network APIs and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled services.
The collaboration will leverage artificial intelligence to automate network operations, improve energy performance and enhance service delivery for users across urban and rural areas.
According to the companies, the project will also involve deploying energy-efficient LTE and 5G technologies to expand coverage and reduce the carbon footprint of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
Supporting Zimbabwe’s Digital Transformation
The initiative is expected to support Zimbabwe’s national digital transformation goals and align with the country’s ICT Policy for 2022–2027 by expanding digital inclusion and enabling new services across sectors such as education, healthcare, business and industrial digitisation.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Econet Zimbabwe, Roy Chimanikire, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its network infrastructure to meet rising demand for digital services.
“This memorandum of understanding with Ericsson reflects our continued focus on evolving our network capabilities to meet growing customer expectations and national digital priorities,” he said.
“We aim to enhance service performance while enabling new digital opportunities across Zimbabwe through AI-driven automation and advanced connectivity.”
Strengthening a Two-Decade Partnership
Vice President and Head of Ericsson East and North Africa, Alain Maupin, noted that the partnership will help accelerate the transition toward intelligent and sustainable telecom networks.
“By leveraging Ericsson’s leadership in programmable and AI-native networks, this collaboration provides a framework for testing and deploying technologies that improve network resilience, automation and service innovation,” Maupin said.
The MoU builds on a long-standing relationship between Ericsson and Econet Zimbabwe spanning more than 20 years, during which the Swedish telecom giant has provided core and radio network solutions supporting Econet’s infrastructure development.
Industry analysts say the partnership could significantly strengthen network capacity, efficiency and digital connectivity across Zimbabwe while opening new opportunities for innovation in the country’s technology ecosystem.
