Econet and Ericsson seal 5G deal at MWC 2025

Zim Now Reporter

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Ericsson signed a landmark agreement at the recently ended Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, marking a significant step in the evolution of Zimbabwe’s telecommunications landscape.

The partnership focuses on the introduction of 5G Core functions, the expansion of core network capacity, and the deployment of Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server.

“Partnering with Ericsson on this agreement marks a significant milestone for Econet as we drive the telecommunications ecosystem transformation in the country. 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,” said Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Econet Wireless Zimbabw Roy Chimanikire.

These advancements will enable Econet to roll out 5G Standalone and enhance its overall network capabilities, paving the way for next-generation connectivity in the region.

“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,” said Vice President and Head of Ericsson Central and Eastern Africa, Ericsson Middle East and Africa, Alain Maupin.

This agreement builds on a 27-year partnership between Econet and Ericsson. In 2023, Econet modernized its core network with Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution, supporting its 4G and 5G non-standalone deployment. Now, the addition of 5G Core cloud-native network functions will allow Econet to transition to 5G SA, delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability for its customers.