Econet InfraCo – recently listed on the Victoria Falls Stock
Exchange (VFEX) after unbundling from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – says
it is accelerating investment in telecommunications and energy infrastructure
after deploying 90 new base station sites and starting construction of the
first phase of a planned 100-megawatt solar farm during the quarter ended 31 May 2026.
The infrastructure company has issued its first trading
update as a standalone listed entity stating operations remained in line with
projections, despite rising diesel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the
Middle East.
The group operates through three business units – the TowerCo,
PowerCo and PropertyCo – bringing
together telecommunications towers, energy infrastructure and property assets
under a single platform.
“The core strategic thrust of the business remains the
deployment of new operational sites and towers to support the Tower & Power
business segments,” the company said.
It said the latest tower deployments were designed to
improve network capacity while creating opportunities to grow revenue through
co-location agreements with multiple tenants. Negotiations with prospective
tenants are ongoing.
The company also expanded the use of artificial intelligence
to improve generator maintenance, reduce fuel consumption and strengthen
infrastructure reliability through AI-powered remote monitoring systems and
digital twin technology.
In its energy division, Econet InfraCo said it was speeding
up the installation of solar systems at telecommunications sites to reduce
dependence on diesel generators and cushion operations against unreliable grid
electricity.
Although Zimbabwe has not experienced diesel shortages, higher
international fuel prices have increased operating costs, making renewable
energy investments more important, the company said.
The first phase of the company’s planned 100MW solar farm is
now underway and will eventually supply renewable electricity to developments
within Econet Tech City.
Econet InfraCo said it reinvested 17 percent of revenue generated
during the quarter into capital projects and expects to continue expanding its
tower portfolio while accelerating its solar programme. Groundbreaking for the
TechCity development and Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas is targeted for the
fourth quarter of the financial year.