Zimbabwe economy: Econet broadband services, Ethanol plant on target
Zimbabwean broadband boost
Mobile services provider Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited (Econet) on Wednesday unveiled a much more pronounced broadband service following a massive US$100 million network upgrade.
The pioneering company, with four million–plus subscribers, says the internet service is a blend of the latest 3G and WiMax technology, and it is linked by a countrywide fibre optic system backed by satellite.
Company chief executive Douglas Mboweni said the product will be offered in three packages, namely: home, mobile and office.
“Broadband would play a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe's economy. We have essentially connected Zimbabwe to the… digital economy,” he said. - Daily News
Zimbabwean ethanol plant on target for 2011 launch
The construction of the biggest ethanol plant in Africa at Chisumbanje in Chipinge has gathered momentum with indications that Zimbabwe could start getting cheap ethanol fuel by March 2011.
Green Fuel, the ethanol distillery company spearheading the project which on completion will employ over 7000 people, said yesterday that they had imported a state of the art plant from Brazil expected to produce ethanol sufficient enough to meet the country’s requirements.
The ethanol project is also expected to produce by-products that will include stock feeds and 18 megawatts electricity for the national grid during the first phase of the project.
In a statement, Green Fuel general manager, Graeme Smith said: “Our original target for commencement of production was October this year. However, this had to be reviewed owing to the logistical challenges experienced in the importation of the plant. Delivery of the equipment was help up by strikes in RSA ports earlier in the year. - Daily News