Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is rolling out an extensive power infrastructure programme aimed at making its network largely independent of the national electricity grid, after AI-driven analysis identified power disruptions as a leading cause of network faults.
The analysis, conducted by Econet AI engineers, found that close to 60% of network faults were triggered by interruptions in electricity supply. These range from prolonged blackouts to brief power fluctuations lasting only a few seconds.
Such disruptions affect the performance of the company’s base stations, switching centres and data centres, resulting in dropped calls, slower internet speeds and interruptions to digital services.
In response, Econet has begun installing solar power systems and long-lasting battery storage across its network. The infrastructure is intended to provide sufficient capacity to keep critical equipment operating during power cuts and fluctuations.
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One of the company’s most ambitious projects 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 ZESA power, grid electricity is – over time – expected to serve as a backup to the company’s own power systems.
Econet InfraCo chief executive officer Fayaz King, whose company is leading the programme for Econet Wireless, said implementation was progressing well.
“Work is advancing very well on all fronts, and we expect to have this locked down within six months,” Mr King said. “By this time next year, we expect to have reduced power-related network faults to less than 10%.”
The energy programme forms part of a broader drive by Econet to use AI to identify and address factors affecting network performance and customer experience.
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