In an era where a company’s true worth is measured beyond the balance sheet, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is demonstrating how cutting-edge technology and ambitious environmental commitments are driving a new standard for corporate responsibility.
Aligning with global mandates like the Paris Agreement and tackling local challenges such as drought and power shortages, Econet has positioned climate action at the heart of its operations, leading a vital transition to a low-carbon, resilient business model in Zimbabwe.
In terms of climate action and the transition to green energy, econet is actively responding to the escalating threats highlighted by scientific reports, including the World Meteorological Organisation’s finding that 2024 was the warmest year on record.
Recognising that climate variability, exacerbated by events like the El Niño-induced drought, directly threatens its infrastructure, supply chains, and power demands, Econet has implemented a comprehensive strategy.
The company aims to slash its carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
To mitigate the reliance on high-carbon sources (diesel accounted for 82,7 percent of energy consumption in the last financial year), Econet is rapidly transitioning its network. Currently, 282 base stations and 8 offices are powered by solar energy, successfully avoiding 3 249 tCO₂e of emissions from solar PV generation alone.
Furthermore, the business has completed battery upgrades at 467 sites and is implementing energy-efficient technologies to optimise power consumption, directly addressing the higher cooling demands caused by rising temperatures.
Econet adheres to the operational control approach of the GHG Protocol, transparently reporting 93 740.7 tCO₂e for its Scope 1 (direct combustion from diesel) and Scope 2 (purchased electricity) emissions for the reporting period.
In terms of protecting natural capital,Econet’s commitment extends beyond carbon, focusing on protecting Zimbabwe’s valuable natural habitats and moving towards a circular economy.
The company integrates biodiversity conservation into its ESG and SHE Policies (Safety, Health, and Environment).
A flagship example is the Zambezi Sands Base Station project near Victoria Falls. Despite the minimal 360m² footprint, the project followed stringent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
Mitigation measures included limiting vegetation clearance, restricting construction hours to minimise noise disturbance in the wildlife corridor, and long-term ecological monitoring in collaboration with local Parks Authorities.
In the area of waste management, Econet is actively advancing a circular economy through a robust strategy that aligns with Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Act.
The company has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives, collaborating with recyclers for the responsible handling of decommissioned electronic waste (e-waste), including batteries, cables, and obsolete equipment, thereby reducing landfill pressure.
Additionally, the company monitors and controls emissions from stationary generators to comply with national regulations, and implements chemical remediation to prevent soil and water contamination following incidents like diesel spills.
Econet also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among staff by distributing 1 615 tree seedlings (a mix of fruit-bearing and indigenous species), which acts as a Nature-Based Solution for carbon sequestration and supports food security.
Econet’s comprehensive approach demonstrates that strategic commitment to the Environment component of ESG is not just a regulatory compliance exercise, but a core driver for sustainable business resilience and national development. – Herald
