JOHANNESBURG, South Africa—Econet Wireless intends to become the dominant African telecommunications provider within the next five years. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Strive Masiyiwa, the group wants to provide telecom solutions to all people of the world, enabling it to participate in the global economy on an equal footing.
The company recently relocated from Harare, Zimbabwe, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to exploit the technical skills base in the area and use it as a springboard to enter other African markets. The group also underwent a restructuring process to combine the original 10 business units into a more efficient entity to assist a listing on an international stock exchange.
Econet’s operations span seven countries, including Morocco, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and New Zealand.
On the issue of increased participation in the African telecommunications arena, Masiyiwa said that within five years, he would like to see the company become a dominant player and enjoy an increased participation in the South African market as either a fixed-line or mobile network operator.
