Econet Wireless Zimbabwe last week won the Overall First Prize in the Service Sector at the 2026 Mine Entra exhibition after showcasing innovative digital solutions designed to improve healthcare, safety and operational efficiency in Zimbabwe's mining industry.
The award, presented at the country's flagship mining, engineering and transport exhibition held in Bulawayo from 29 to 31 July, was conferred in recognition of Econet's growing role as a technology partner to industry through innovations that extend well beyond traditional telecommunications.
Among the highlights of Econet's exhibition was the MARS Mobile Clinics and Hospital Solutions, a technology-enabled healthcare platform designed for mining operations in remote areas where access to quality medical services is often limited.
The solution integrates reliable connectivity with digital health technologies to support primary healthcare, occupational health services, remote consultations and emergency response for mine workers and surrounding communities.
Econet also showcased a suite of IoT (Internet of Things) solutions developed by Econet AI, demonstrating how connected sensors, real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence can help mining companies improve equipment performance, enhance worker safety, monitor environmental conditions and make faster, data-driven operational decisions.
The company's exhibition stand attracted significant interest from industry stakeholders and senior Government officials. Among those who visited the stand were Zimbabwe's two Vice Presidents, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura, and his Deputy, Fred Moyo, reflecting the growing importance of digital innovation in driving the transformation of Zimbabwe's mining sector.
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An Econet representative said the mining industry was one of Zimbabwe's most strategic economic sectors, and the company was proud to support its growth through innovations that enabled “smarter, more efficient operations” and strengthened the health and safety of miners.
Mining is one of Zimbabwe's largest export earners and remains central to the country's economic development agenda. As production expands and operations move into increasingly remote locations, mining companies are investing more in digital technologies to improve productivity, strengthen safety standards and reduce operating costs.
Industry experts say technologies such as artificial intelligence, the IoT, cloud computing and advanced connectivity are becoming indispensable to modern mining, enabling companies to monitor assets remotely, automate routine processes, optimise energy consumption and respond more effectively to operational risks.
Mine Entra has established itself as one of Southern Africa's leading mining exhibitions, bringing together equipment manufacturers, technology companies, policymakers, investors and mining executives to showcase innovations that enhance productivity, sustainability and value creation across the mining value chain.
Building on its nationwide telecommunications infrastructure, Econet is expanding its enterprise technology portfolio by delivering digital solutions for key sectors of the economy such as mining, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education and the financial services.