HARARE, Dec. 17 (NewsDay Live) – Econet InfraCo, the infrastructure company being spun out of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, is set to develop a 300-hectare industrial park near Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Plans are underway to transform the land into a modern industrial hub that will ultimately be supported by a 100 megawatt solar plant.
The development will also include a large data centre facility, the company said.
Econet InfraCo said the industrial park is intended to provide facilities for businesses seeking to take advantage of the site’s proximity to the airport for manufacturing and export activities.
“Our vision is to create infrastructure such as power and water facilities needed for a modern industrial park. This will make it easier for investors to come in, take advantage of the location, and create jobs,” Econet group chief executive officer, Douglas Mboweni said.
He said the project would be developed in phases, including the phased deployment of the 100MW solar power plant, in response to demand. Work on the first phase of the overall project has already begun, he added.
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Once the necessary development approvals are obtained, the 300-hectare project is expected to be one of the most ambitious private developments since Independence and will support the Government’s national industrial development plans.
Mboweni said the project is one of several major initiatives that have already received approval from Econet Group founder, Strive Masiyiwa.
“This is going to be huge, and we will soon be presenting our plans to the Government,” he said.
Mboweni disclosed the plans following the public unveiling of Econet InfraCo, which he emphasised is not a new business but has long existed as a business unit within Econet Wireless Zimbabwe. Until now, it has primarily operated to support Econet’s extensive infrastructure requirements.
In a cautionary statement this week, Econet announced plans to list Econet InfraCo on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
