Ericsson & Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Forge New 5G Partnership

At the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Ericsson and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe signed a pivotal agreement to introduce 5G Core functions.

This initiative is set to enhance core network capacity and integrate Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), a cloud-native service exposure function, into Econet’s network.

Previously, in 2023, Econet had already modernized its core network with Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution to support 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) deployments. Now, by adding 5G Core cloud-native network functions (CNF), Econet is poised to introduce 5G Standalone (SA) capabilities.

The transformation to a cloud-native network has made the integration of these new functions straightforward. This shift enables high levels of orchestration and automation, leading to operational efficiency and providing Econet with scalable deployment and dynamic adjustment of network resources.

The addition of 5G Core CNFs will enable Econet to handle expected data traffic growth, enhance mobile broadband capabilities, and unlock new use cases. This development will help evolve and create new services for both enterprises and individual subscribers, further monetizing its 5G connectivity.

Roy Chimanikire, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, stated, “Partnering with Ericsson marks a significant milestone for Econet as we drive telecommunications ecosystem transformation in the country. We look forward to enhancing our network’s scalability, reliability, and efficiency while unlocking advanced capabilities like orchestration, automation, and virtualization. These capabilities pave the way for new services and revenue streams, driving growth for Econet and enhancing the digital experience of our customers.”

Ericsson will also provide lifecycle management for both existing and new Ericsson Virtual Network Function (VNF) and CNF nodes as part of the core network capacity expansion. Additionally, Econet will expand its Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) and Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS) to support workloads, capitalizing on the energy, resource, and cost efficiencies of this new infrastructure.

The expansion will leverage Ericsson Network Manager (ENM) and Ericsson Network Intelligent Query Statistics (ENIQ) tools for fault and performance management. This ensures that Econet maintains a robust, reliable, secure, and scalable network while preparing for next-generation services.

Furthermore, Econet will introduce Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server (CCES), allowing secure exposure of core network capabilities to developers and ecosystem players via Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs). Integrating with Econet’s existing API platform, CCES will unlock innovative use cases and revenue opportunities, including partnerships with third-party applications and services. This solution, designed with cloud-native architecture and advanced security mechanisms, ensures reliability and safeguards Econet’s network.

Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Central and Eastern Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, added, “We are honored to partner with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe as they embark on their telco cloud journey. Our cutting-edge solutions will prepare the network for 5G standalone and provide next-generation services that empower them to meet rising data demands while enabling scalable and secure network capabilities. Together, we are paving the way for advanced connectivity and groundbreaking opportunities in the region, in line with Ericsson’s #AfricaInMotion vision.”