IoT provider and network operator announce successful trials of virtual SIM for Zimbabwean subscribers
6 November 2019, Dublin/Dubai: Today, mobile and IoT solutions provider Workz Group and Econet Zimbabwe announced a deal that will see them offer Zimbabwean subscribers network connectivity via embedded SIM devices such as the iPhone XS/XR/11 and Microsoft Surface Pro X. Users will now be able to connect to Econet’s network without a physical SIM. The announcement follows the completion of successful network trials using Workz technology with a market launch expected in the coming months.
Markets and Markets has estimated that the eSIM market will grow from nearly $300 million in 2018 to over $1 billion by 2023 with hyper-adoption expected following the launch of several new consumer eSIM devices from the likes of Apple and Samsung and several more manufacturers planning to follow suit. The collaboration between Workz and Econet is expected to make Zimbabwe only the second country in Africa to adopt the next-generation SIM technology.
Workz, which was recently recognised by a market report from Counterpoint as one of the world’s leaders in eSIM technology, has launched similar projects across North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East in the past 12 months. The company is the first GSMA-certified full eSIM provider in the Middle East and Africa and one of only six in the world to carry such an accreditation.
Commenting on the partnership, Tor Malmros, Managing Director of the Middle East and Africa for Workz Group said: “We are proud to work with our long-term partners Econet on another highly innovative project. 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.”
Rufaro Nelson, the project lead for Econet Zimbabwe added: “This is yet another ground-breaking initiative which serves to enhance the Econet customer experience. For this project, we have had the benefit of working with a strong local partner in Workz, which with the support of their incredible technical team has allowed us to complete comprehensive development and testing in a highly efficient timeframe. Together, we look forward to being the first to bring this new technology to Zimbabwe and Econet subscribers in the very near future.”