Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has made history with the successful listing of its infrastructure subsidiary, Econet InfraCo, on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX). Valued at a staggering US$1 billion, this move marks the largest initial listing in the history of Zimbabwe’s capital markets. The listing, which took place on March 27, 2026, signals a new era for both the telecommunications giant and the country’s financial landscape.
The new entity, Econet InfraCo, was created through a strategic restructuring that consolidated Econet’s telecommunications towers, energy systems, and strategic real estate into a single, standalone platform. This multi-asset approach is designed to create a scaled, income-generating business capable of delivering stable long-term returns while supporting critical sectors of the economy. Chairman Godfrey Gomwe emphasized that the platform is already operating at scale, focusing on disciplined execution and strong governance to unlock the full value of these assets.
As part of the listing transaction, existing Econet shareholders received a significant benefit through the distribution of 25% of Econet InfraCo, valued at approximately US$250 million, as a dividend in specie. This gives investors direct exposure to the platform’s future income streams and growth prospects, offering what Gomwe describes as “yield today, growth tomorrow”. The listing is seen as a major milestone in providing investors with diversified options within the Zimbabwean market.
The Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, established in 2020 as a US dollar-denominated bourse, has gained significant momentum with this addition. VFEX Chairperson Ms. Florence Jambwa noted that the listing is an important step in diversifying the exchange’s product offerings and strengthening its appeal to a broader spectrum of regional and international investors. Analysts have further described the debut as a massive vote of confidence in the exchange’s trajectory and the broader investment climate in Zimbabwe.
During the listing ceremony, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the maturity of the nation’s capital markets. He remarked that the US$1 billion valuation demonstrates that Zimbabwe is open for business and possesses strong regulatory frameworks capable of hosting listings of this caliber. He underscored that infrastructure remains the foundation for sustainable economic growth, positioning Econet InfraCo as a key player in the nation’s digital transformation agenda.
Ultimately, the evolution of Econet InfraCo into a public entity positions it as a credible, execution-led vehicle ready to attract both local and international capital. By separating its infrastructure assets, Econet is not only optimizing its operational efficiency but also contributing to the long-term infrastructure development of the region. This landmark listing sets a new benchmark for future corporate actions in Southern Africa’s tech and finance sectors.
