Operators within Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry urgently require foreign exchange to strengthen their capacity to procure raw and packaging materials.

Some companies are running promotions and consumer campaigns to quickly generate forex.

Last week MNO Telecel Zimbabwe announced its ‘Dollar on Us’ campaign through which customers can buy airtime using US dollars.

This airtime takes the form of recharge vouchers or recharge cards which are available from select Telecel shops, franchises and dealers.

Marketing Director Christopher Rubatika said, “When a customer buys airtime worth one USD they get a 50 MB of WhatsApp bundle, 100MB of Data, 60 minutes of on-net voice calls and 50 SMS’.”

Rubatika added: “… a customer will also receive the one-dollar airtime back to use for voice, data and SMS'. The more the customer buys the more the benefits. All this is valid for 24 hours.”

CEO Angeline Vere said, “The introduction of the 'Dollar on Us' promo is our way of thanking the customers who have stuck with us through thick and thin. Over and above that this will help customers who only have one USD not to worry about changing the money in order to buy airtime to make that very important call.”

Industry insiders have suggested the timing of the promotion is apt, given the increase in pressure on consumers amid tough economic conditions, as well as changing consumer behaviour influenced by tech innovation and social networking.

Econet Wireless launched ‘Smart US Dollar bundles’ to facilitate airtime, data and SMS transactions in US dollars.

The company said the development, which followed relevant regulatory approvals, is convenient for customers and helps Econet generate much-needed foreign currency to reinvest in its network and improve the customer experience.

Company spokesperson Fungai Mandiveyi said, “We are excited to be able to offer our customers the convenience and choice to purchase our products in whatever currency they have at their disposal.”