At Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (ZSE: ECO.ZW) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) announced a major step forward in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector: the introduction of 5G Standalone (SA).
This advancement, which includes the deployment of 5G Core functions and the integration of Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), promises to enhance connectivity, boost mobile broadband capabilities, and support digital innovation. However, as Zimbabwe accelerates its 5G rollout, a critical question emerges—will this leap bridge the digital divide or further entrench connectivity gaps?
Econet’s adoption of cloud-native 5G Core network functions (CNFs) marks a shift toward a more agile and efficient telecommunications infrastructure. Having modernized its core network in 2023 to support 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA), Econet now aims to harness the full potential of 5G SA, which offers higher speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability.
With the addition of these network functions, Econet is preparing for expected data traffic growth and opening up new possibilities for enterprise applications, smart city solutions, and industrial automation. However, while these innovations bring technological progress, they also raise concerns about affordability and accessibility.
The Cost Barrier: A Service for the Few?
While 5G SA presents opportunities for economic growth, its high deployment and infrastructure costs could translate into expensive data plans, limiting access for ordinary Zimbabweans. With the country’s average income still lagging behind regional peers, the question remains whether 5G connectivity will remain a premium service for corporations and high-income earners or whether it will be accessible to small businesses and rural communities.
Roy Chimanikire, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding connectivity. “Partnering with Ericsson on this agreement marks a significant milestone for Econet as we drive the telecommunications ecosystem transformation in the country,” he said. “We look forward to enhancing our network’s scalability, reliability, and efficiency while unlocking advanced capabilities like orchestration, automation, and virtualization. These capabilities pave the way for new services and revenue streams, driving growth for Econet and enhancing the digital experience of our customers.”
While these advancements indicate Econet’s dedication to improving network services, they do not directly address how Zimbabwe’s lower-income populations will access this cutting-edge technology.
Urban-Rural Divide: Who Benefits?
Zimbabwe’s digital divide is already stark, with urban areas enjoying far better connectivity than rural regions. The expansion of 5G SA raises concerns about whether Econet’s rollout will focus on high-density business hubs while leaving rural communities behind. If 5G SA follows the trajectory of previous network upgrades, rural Zimbabweans may have to wait years before they see the benefits of enhanced connectivity.
Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of Central and Eastern Africa, Alain Maupin, expressed optimism about the rollout’s impact on connectivity across Zimbabwe. “We are honored to partner with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe while they embark on their telco cloud journey. Our cutting-edge solutions will prepare the network for 5G Standalone and will provide next-generation services that empower them to meet rising data demands while enabling scalable and secure network capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for advanced connectivity and groundbreaking opportunities in the region in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision.”
However, questions remain about whether those opportunities will extend beyond urban centers. Past telecom infrastructure investments in Africa have often prioritized more profitable, densely populated regions, leaving rural and underserved communities struggling with outdated 2G and 3G networks.
Econet’s expansion plan includes lifecycle management for its existing and new Virtual Network Function (VNF) and CNF nodes. The introduction of Ericsson’s CCES is expected to enable new digital services by allowing developers and ecosystem players to leverage APIs for innovative applications. While this technology can drive digital transformation, it is unclear whether it will be targeted at bridging Zimbabwe’s existing connectivity gaps.
If similar models are applied in Zimbabwe, small businesses in both urban and rural areas could benefit from better connectivity. However, without deliberate policies or subsidies to encourage affordable 5G access, there is a real risk that this next-generation network will serve only a select few.
