Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operator, Econet Wireless, has announced the rollout of a fifth-generation (5G) mobile network, describing the move as a milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. The development was unveiled at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), where the company showcased its vision for a future anchored on high-speed connectivity and digital innovation.
Econet deputy chief executive officer, Roy Chimanikire, confirmed that the company had already installed 300 5G base stations across the country by July 2025, connecting more than 500,000 customers to the next-generation service. Millions of other subscribers remain on 4G (LTE), while a sizable portion continues to rely on outdated 3G networks that are still prevalent in many parts of Zimbabwe.
Chimanikire said the new network was not merely about boosting internet speed but about enabling an entire ecosystem of digital solutions. He pointed to applications such as smart water management systems, drone-assisted farming, artificial intelligence–driven smart parking, and enhanced industrial automation through the “Internet of Things” (IoT). Econet also highlighted Yamurai, its recently launched multilingual chatbot that communicates in both Shona and Ndebele to help customers resolve queries.
“It’s about the next level of technology in terms of efficiency, scalability, and speed of delivering products and services,” Chimanikire told visitors at the exhibition stand.
Despite the optimism surrounding the announcement, Econet’s 5G rollout comes at a time when the company is under intense scrutiny from its customers. Over the past several years, complaints have mounted over poor service quality, frequent network disruptions, failed mobile money transactions, and prolonged system downtimes without adequate compensation.
Many subscribers have also grown increasingly frustrated with Econet’s steep tariffs. Zimbabwe’s mobile data and voice call rates are among the highest in southern Africa, even though the country’s average incomes remain among the lowest. Customers often allege that purchased data bundles “disappear” mysteriously, while call tariffs are adjusted upwards regularly under the justification of inflation and foreign currency shortages.
Econet Rolls Out 5G Network Amid Growing Customer Dissatisfaction
Civil society groups, consumer watchdogs, and even government regulators have repeatedly raised concerns about affordability. Econet’s dominance in the sector has meant that its pricing structure effectively shapes the market, leaving ordinary citizens with few alternatives. Critics argue that the operator’s charges place access to communication beyond the reach of millions of Zimbabweans, especially the rural poor.
Customer care has also been a consistent sore point. Many subscribers report spending hours trying to reach call centres without success. Others complain that their issues remain unresolved for weeks, forcing many to vent their frustrations on social media. Hashtags such as #Econet and #DataMustFall trend regularly on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the scale of public discontent.
Industry observers have welcomed the 5G rollout as a positive development but caution that it risks being perceived as out of touch with customer realities if existing problems are not addressed.
“Rolling out 5G is commendable, but it feels like a luxury when the basics – such as consistent 4G coverage, affordable data, and reliable customer care – remain unsolved,” said a Harare-based telecoms analyst. “There is a danger that Econet is focusing on optics rather than substance.”
Others note that the real value of 5G lies in industrial and enterprise applications rather than immediate consumer benefits. In countries with strong economies, 5G underpins smart cities, advanced manufacturing, and digital commerce. Zimbabwe, however, continues to struggle with unreliable electricity, a volatile currency, and limited investment in digital infrastructure, factors that may limit the full benefits of the technology.
Econet maintains that its long-term strategy is to position Zimbabwe for the digital economy of the future. The company has faced significant financial headwinds, including escalating energy costs, foreign currency shortages, and an unstable macroeconomic environment. Nonetheless, it insists that investment in next-generation technologies is essential if the country is to keep pace with regional and global competitors.
According to company executives, the 5G rollout should not be viewed as a luxury project but as a foundation for future innovation that will eventually trickle down to ordinary consumers. They argue that services such as precision agriculture, smart logistics, and AI-driven urban planning could transform sectors of the economy and create new opportunities for growth.
Still, skepticism persists among subscribers. For many Zimbabweans, reliable and affordable access to basic communication services remains the priority. Until customers experience tangible improvements in service quality, fairer pricing structures, and more responsive support systems, the company’s digital transformation narrative is likely to be met with caution, if not outright doubt.
The challenge for Econet, analysts say, will be striking the right balance between futuristic ambitions and everyday realities. As the company markets 5G and artificial intelligence–enabled solutions, its customers remain preoccupied with very immediate concerns: dropped calls, costly data bundles, and frustrating customer service.
Econet’s latest move positions Zimbabwe on the map of countries adopting advanced mobile technology. But whether the rollout will be remembered as a genuine leap forward or as a misstep that ignored customer needs will depend on how well the company can bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility.
For now, the promise of a 5G-powered digital economy shines bright—but for many Zimbabweans, that promise will only matter if it translates into affordable, reliable, and inclusive connectivity.
Source- ZimEye
