Econet InfraCo deploys 90 new base stations as solar expansion gathers pace
Staff Writer
NEWLY listed infrastructure company Econet InfraCo has deployed 90 new base station sites during the quarter ended 31 May 2026 as it accelerates investment in telecommunications, renewable energy and property developments following its listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).
In its inaugural quarterly trading update since listing, the company said the new sites form part of its strategy to expand network infrastructure while creating additional revenue opportunities through tower colocation by multiple telecommunications operators.
“The core strategic thrust of the business remains the deployment of new operational sites and towers to support the Tower & Power business segments,” the company said.
It added that the latest deployments were “strategically designed to drive revenue growth through a capital-efficient colocation model, with an active pipeline of new tenant negotiations underway.”
The company, which operates through TowerCo, PowerCo and PropertyCo business divisions, also reported significant progress in integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to improve infrastructure management.
According to the update, AI technologies are now being used to predict generator maintenance requirements, optimise fuel consumption and improve the reliability of network infrastructure.
“During the quarter, we expanded the use of AI to improve predictive generator maintenance, optimise fuel utilisation, and enhance infrastructure reliability,” the company said.
It added that the phased rollout of its AI Fuel Manager had reduced energy consumption while improving equipment availability, with AI-enabled Remote Monitoring Systems and Digital Twin technology also advancing operational efficiencies.
The company said its renewable energy programme remained central to reducing reliance on diesel-powered generators amid rising global fuel prices.
While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East had created uncertainty in international diesel markets, Zimbabwe had not experienced supply shortages, although local diesel prices had increased.
“Consequently, our solar deployment programme forms a critical measure implemented by the business to ensure continued energy supply and operational resilience,” Econet InfraCo said.
As part of its long-term energy strategy, the company commenced Phase One of a planned 100-megawatt solar farm that will eventually supply renewable electricity to developments within Econet Tech City.
Beyond telecommunications infrastructure, the company’s PropertyCo division reported stable rental income during the quarter while construction planning continued for two flagship real estate developments.
Progress on the Econet TechCity project in Harare and the Victoria Falls Lifestyle Villas remains on schedule, with groundbreaking for both developments targeted for the fourth quarter of the current financial year.
The company said it had already received expressions of interest from potential tenants and buyers across various sectors, signalling anticipated market demand once the projects become available.
Financially, Econet InfraCo said performance remained in line with expectations outlined before its stock market listing.
“The Board notes that financial performance for the quarter remains materially in line with projections, and that there have been no material changes to the Company’s financial position since the publication of the Pre-Listing Statement,” the company said.
The company also disclosed that it reinvested 17 percent of revenue generated during the quarter into capital projects to support future growth.
Looking ahead, Econet InfraCo said it would continue expanding its tower portfolio while accelerating solar power investments as it seeks to unlock value across its integrated infrastructure platform.
