Econet AI has launched in Zimbabwe, giving businesses access to global artificial intelligence tools to improve growth, jobs and innovation.
Nearly three decades after Econet Wireless Zimbabwe changed the country’s telecommunications sector, the company’s latest move into artificial intelligence is expected to bring another major shift to Zimbabwe’s economy. The launch of Econet AI last Thursday marks one of the country’s strongest steps into the global AI economy, giving local businesses access to advanced digital tools.
The new platform is expected to help Zimbabwean companies improve productivity, modernise operations and compete in a fast-changing global market. Analysts say wider use of artificial intelligence could also support innovation, open new business opportunities and create employment, especially for Zimbabwe’s young and technology-aware population.
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At the centre of the initiative is Cassava Technologies, founded by telecoms entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa. Through Cassava, Econet AI has secured partnerships with global technology companies including NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft and Anthropic. These partnerships are expected to give Zimbabwean firms access to advanced AI solutions that have often remained beyond reach.
The launch event was held in Harare before more than 200 government officials and business executives. Econet AI has already built a team of more than 100 specialists who will focus on integrating artificial intelligence across different parts of the economy.
The company said AI solutions can be applied across several sectors in Zimbabwe. In agriculture, smallholder farmers may use AI-powered tools to improve crop yields, increase efficiency and support decision-making. Agriculture remains a key sector in Zimbabwe, making technology adoption important for growth.
In the financial sector, banks could use artificial intelligence to strengthen cybersecurity systems, detect fraud risks and improve operational efficiency. Faster processing systems and smarter digital tools may also help banks deliver better customer services.
Government institutions are also expected to benefit from the new technology. AI systems can be used to improve service delivery, strengthen responsiveness and help public offices manage information more efficiently. Businesses say faster public services can support economic activity and investment.
Douglas Mboweni, chief executive officer of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, said the company is already using AI in its own operations. He said Econet has introduced real-time network fault detection systems to improve service reliability and customer experience.
Mboweni added that the company is also using multilingual customer support chatbots. The chatbots are able to communicate in Shona, Ndebele, English, French and Chinese, helping serve a wider customer base and improving communication through digital channels.
He said businesses should treat artificial intelligence as an immediate strategic priority rather than a future innovation. “If we don’t deploy AI, others will launch solutions that push us out of business as Zimbabwean companies,” he said.
Mboweni said Econet AI aims to work with organisations seeking to adopt artificial intelligence by offering ready-to-deploy business solutions. He said these use cases will be tailored to different industries through the company’s global technology alliances.
The launch places Zimbabwe into growing international discussions around AI adoption, digital transformation and future jobs. For local companies, the new platform may offer a chance to modernise systems, improve competitiveness and participate in the next stage of economic development.
