In some of Zimbabwe’s most remote areas, where electricity shortages are a daily reality, rural clinics are now finding an unlikely lifeline in one of the country’s telecommunications networks.
Econet InfraCo, the infrastructure arm of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, has been turning some of its remote base stations into solar power hubs for rural hospitals and clinics. The initiative, launched last year, provides free electricity to health facilities located within five kilometres of the company’s base station.
For clinics that previously relied on erratic generators or had no power at all, the impact has been immediate and transformative. Vaccines remain safely stored, emergency procedures can continue without interruption, and mothers giving birth at night are no longer left in the dark.
At a small clinic in the Zvishavane District in the Midlands, nurses describe the difference as life-changing.
“Before, we had to limit treatments when the power went out,” said one. “Now we can run our fridges, lights, and medical equipment without worrying about blackouts.”
The programme, run in partnership with the Higher Life Foundation, has already connected several clinics, with plans to expand further.
By integrating electricity supply into its base station network, Econet InfraCo is leveraging existing infrastructure for a purpose that goes beyond connectivity, demonstrating how private sector innovation can compliment public service delivery.
Douglas Mboweni, Group CEO of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, said the initiative could serve as a model for other African countries facing similar rural healthcare challenges.
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"When infrastructure can serve communities in more ways than one, we are not just building towers; we are building lifelines,” he said.
Econet InfraCo is also exploring additional projects, including the construction of small footbridges to improve rural access.
“We can put up bridges to help women and children cross rivers safely while attending to base stations,” Mboweni said.
“These bridges would improve access to schools, clinics and markets, particularly during the rainy season when flooded rivers often cut off communities from access to markets and service delivery centres.”
