By 
By Ross Moyo
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is cutting its dependence on ZESA and rolling out AI and solar power across its network after internal data showed power cuts cause the majority of service disruptions.
AI-driven analysis by Econet engineers found that close to 60% of network faults are triggered by interruptions in electricity supply — from prolonged blackouts to brief fluctuations lasting seconds.
The power instability directly hits base stations, switching centres and data centres, leading to dropped calls, slower internet speeds and interruptions to digital services.
THE SOLUTION: SOLAR + BATTERIES + AI
In response, Econet has begun installing solar power systems and long-lasting battery storage across its network to keep critical equipment running during outages.
The flagship project is a planned 100-megawatt solar power and battery storage facility that will supply electricity to its switching and data centres in Harare.
While Econet will remain connected to the national grid, grid power is expected to serve as backup to the company’s own systems over time.
“FAULTS TO DROP BELOW 10%”
Econet InfraCo CEO Fayaz King, whose company is leading the programme, said implementation is on track.
“Work is advancing very well on all fronts, and we expect to have this locked down within six months,” King said.
“By this time next year, we expect to have reduced power-related network faults to less than 10%.”
The energy programme is part of a broader push by Econet to use AI to identify and address factors affecting network performance and customer experience.
With data demand growing and digital services becoming core to banking, health and government, the move signals a shift toward telecoms self-generating power to guarantee uptime.
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