Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is rolling out solar and battery systems across its network after AI analysis found that power disruptions account for nearly 60% of network faults.
The analysis by Econet AI engineers found that faults were caused by both prolonged blackouts and brief power fluctuations lasting only seconds. The disruptions affect base stations, switching centres and data centres, leading to dropped calls, slower internet and interruptions to digital services.
Econet is installing solar systems and long-duration battery storage to keep critical equipment running during power cuts. It also plans to build a 100-megawatt solar and battery facility to supply its switching and data centres in Harare. The company will remain connected to ZESA, but plans for grid electricity to increasingly serve as a backup.
Econet InfraCo CEO Fayaz King, whose company is leading the programme, said implementation was progressing.
“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 programme is part of Econet’s wider use of AI to identify and address causes of network problems.
