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Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

Telecom firm and subsidiary of Zesa Holdings, Powertel, has capped off the year with five awards as its strategic realignment efforts continue to bear fruit in a highly competitive industry.

Powertel’s award haul includes three accolades from the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services’ 2024 ICT Excellence Awards, as well as one each from the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network awards.

The latest recognition coincides with Powertel’s significant investment in its network infrastructure, which has enabled the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) to provide electricity connections to major mining operations such as Dinson Iron and Steel Company and Bikita Minerals.

At the Ministry of ICT awards, Powertel took top honours, winning first prize in the Best IoT Initiative category, and also earned second runner-up spots in the Best Community Impact and Best Rural Connectivity categories.

The power utility wing also excelled at the 2024 Marketers Association of Zimbabwe Superbrand Awards, where it was named second runner-up in the Internet Service Providers Category.

Additionally, the company took top honours at the Zim CEO Network Awards, winning the first prize as the Outstanding Best Performing Company in Zimbabwe 2024 Platinum Category.

In an interview, Powertel acting managing director Mr Willard Nyagwande attributed the company’s success to teamwork and its ever-loyal clients.

“I am deeply honoured to receive these awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff,” he said.

“We are also grateful to our valued customers for their continued trust and support.”

The firm, which is under the Mutapa Investment Fund established by the Government, has invested over US$5.5 million in building a dual gateway between Zimbabwe and South Africa to enhance local network connectivity.

It was also recently named the sole internet access provider to have gained a 2,05 percentage point increase in market share during the second quarter of 2024.

Amongst other players who were recognised are Econet Wireless, TelOne, CBZ, NetOne , Huawei, Liquid Intelligence Technologies, Nyaradzo Group and some individuals who significantly contributed to the industry, including Dr Strive Masiyiwa, the chairman of Econet Group.