Econet begins construction of 100MW solar power plant to boost network reliability

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has begun constructing the first phase of a solar and battery energy project that will eventually generate up to 100MW of electricity for its Tech City development.

HARARE – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has started construction of the first phase of a major solar and battery energy project that is expected to expand into a 100-megawatt (MW) renewable power plant, marking one of the country's largest private-sector investments in energy security.

The project will form the energy backbone of the planned 800-acre Econet Tech City and is designed to provide reliable, independent electricity for the telecommunications company's Harare operations, including its network infrastructure and data centres. The investment comes as businesses increasingly turn to self-generation to address Zimbabwe's recurring electricity shortages and improve operational resilience.

Speaking about the project, Econet Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Mboweni said reliable electricity has become critical to maintaining high-quality telecommunications services.

"Our analysis showed that the single biggest threat to network quality is no longer the telecommunications equipment itself – it's power," Mboweni said.

"If we are serious about delivering a world-class digital experience, then we must first guarantee a world-class power supply. That is why we are investing in generating our own clean, reliable energy."

According to Econet, an internal assessment found that 58% of network service quality challenges are linked to power-related disruptions, including national grid outages and voltage fluctuations that affect sensitive telecommunications equipment.

To address those challenges, Chinese contractors have begun installing solar photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage systems at the Tech City site. Battery storage will enable electricity generated during the day to be stored and used during periods of high demand or grid interruptions. The company said similar renewable energy systems are also being rolled out at strategic network sites across Zimbabwe as part of a broader programme to strengthen infrastructure resilience and improve service availability.

Once fully developed, the 100MW power plant will supply electricity to Econet's Harare campus, network operations, offices and data centres, significantly reducing dependence on the national electricity grid. In a major shift from the traditional business model, Econet plans for grid electricity to become a secondary or backup power source, with solar generation meeting most of the company's operational energy requirements. The project is also expected to benefit businesses that will establish operations within the planned Econet Tech City, with surplus electricity generated by the solar plant earmarked for tenants occupying the technology and innovation hub.

Zimbabwe has witnessed growing investment in captive renewable energy projects as companies seek to protect operations from power shortages while supporting the country's transition to cleaner energy sources. The telecommunications sector, in particular, depends on uninterrupted electricity to keep mobile networks, internet services and cloud infrastructure operational.

Industry analysts say investments in renewable energy and battery storage are becoming increasingly important for digital infrastructure, helping operators reduce operating costs, improve network reliability and lower carbon emissions while supporting Zimbabwe's broader digital transformation agenda.

Econet 100MW solar power plant