Nabilah Safira
TechInAfrica – Network subscribers in Zimbabwe can now connect to Econet’s network without a physical SIM thanks to a sealed deal between mobile and IoT solutions provider Workz Group and Econet Zimbabwe. Users of embedded SIM (eSIM) devices, such as the iPhone XS/XR/11 or Microsoft Surface Pro X no longer have to worry, as the deal will let them enjoy the network connectivity just as users of traditional SIM devices. The deal is expected to make Zimbabwe the second country in Africa to adopt the next-gen SIM technology.
When more big names in the industry switch to eSIM, the market may witness a significant increase eSIM in the next 4 years. While the eSIM market has grown from $300 million in 2018, Markets and Markets predict that it will hit over $1 billion by 2023. Big names like Apple and Samsung play important role in brewing the trend of eSIM, but other manufacturers that follow their steps would just as much contribute to the increased figures.
As the first company with GSMA-certified full eSIM provider in the Middle East and Africa, Workz has expanded its technology to North America and Europe just this year. According to a market report by Counterpoint, it has been recognized as one of the world’s leaders in eSIM technology, and only one of six globally to hold the GSMA accreditation.
Managing Director of the Middle East and Africa for Workz Group Tor Malmros is proud of the deal with long term-partners Econet. “We expect eSIM technology will make a significantly positive impact on people’s lives, and we hope Econet Zimbabwe subscribers can start enjoying this enhanced experience very soon,” Malmros says.
“This is yet another ground-breaking initiative which serves to enhance the Econet customer experience,” Project lead of Econet Zimbabwe Rufaro Nelson says. “For this project, we had the benefit of working with a strong local partner in Orkz, which with the support of their incredible technical team has allowed us to complete comprehensive development and testing in a highly-efficient timeframe,” Nelson adds.
Nelson says that Econet looks forward to being the first to present eSIM to Zimbabwe and their subscribers ‘in the very near future’.
Source: Biztechafrica.com
