Zimbabwe's Econet Wireless Pivots to Clean Energy to Combat Emissions and Rising Costs
Zimbabwe's Econet Wireless Pivots to Clean Energy to Combat Emissions and Rising Costs
The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance the sustainability of its business, according to Econet's 2025 annual report.
The report highlights how rising temperatures increase energy demand for cooling telecom equipment, thus elevating operational costs.
Furthermore, drought conditions affecting hydroelectricity generation have led to a greater reliance on diesel generators, increasing both costs and GHG emissions.
In response, Econet has implemented a multi-pronged energy strategy focused on integrating renewable energy, upgrading efficiency, and managing a sustainability-aligned supply chain.
The company has deployed 380 solar-powered sites, generating over 3.3 million kWh of power and avoiding an estimated 3,249 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
Despite a significant reliance on diesel for energy (82.7% of its total energy mix in FY25), Econet has set ambitious carbon reduction targets: a 30% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Currently, 282 sites and 8 offices are powered by solar energy, with battery upgrades completed at 467 sites.
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