By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare, Zimbabwe – In a moment of national pride, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, was presented with both the Global Honorary Award and The Chairman’s Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Zimbabwe Achievers Awards.
The accolades celebrate Eng. Mushanawani’s bold leadership and NetOne’s far-reaching impact on digital transformation and inclusive national growth.
Describing the honour as a collective victory, Eng. Mushanawani remarked:
“This award is not mine alone — it belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. It affirms NetOne’s role as the digital heartbeat of the nation and our commitment to connecting the unconnected in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision to ‘Leave No One and No Place Behind.’”
The awards come at a time when NetOne is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging not just as a telecoms operator but as a driver of smart technology, digital inclusion, and socio-economic development.
Results-Driven Leadership Rooted in Purpose
Recently named Business Leader of the Year 2025 by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Eng. Mushanawani emphasized that the recognition reflects the collective effort of Team NetOne rather than personal achievement.
“At NetOne, we are not chasing profit alone; we are driving purpose. We are bridging the digital divide — empowering the farmer in Tsholotsho, the student in Mutoko, and the entrepreneur in Mbare with the same tools available in Harare or New York,” he said.
NetOne’s strategic approach, according to Mushanawani, lies in aligning vision with execution — delivering tailored digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of every Zimbabwean.
Positioning for Growth in a Competitive Market
Asked how NetOne has maintained its competitive edge, Eng. Mushanawani pointed to the company’s refusal to compete on price alone.
“We compete by delivering solutions — from AI-driven network efficiencies to expanding coverage in underserved communities. Our aim is to be a trusted national partner in digital innovation, not just a service provider.”
This ambition, he noted, may eventually take NetOne beyond Zimbabwe’s borders as it sets its sights on becoming a continental telecoms force.
AI, Innovation & the Future of Zimbabwe
NetOne is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize operations and personalize services.
“AI is no longer futuristic — it’s our current reality. We use it to predict maintenance, optimize traffic, and enhance customer experience,” said the CEO.
“Reliability is the perennial currency in telecoms, and AI helps us deliver that.”
Mushanawani sees emerging technologies as key to leapfrogging economic development in Zimbabwe — from AI-powered agriculture and e-learning to borderless mobile financial platforms.
NetOne’s Role in Vision 2030 and NDS2
As Zimbabwe looks ahead to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Eng. Mushanawani says NetOne is fully geared to help drive digital inclusivity at scale.
“We are not spectators in Zimbabwe’s growth story; we are co-authors. Our role is to ensure every sector — agriculture, mining, education, healthcare — is digitally equipped and globally competitive.”
He added that NetOne’s services are “the invisible hand powering Zimbabwe’s digital economy” — evident in every mobile transaction, remote classroom, and smart farming initiative.
Driving ESG and Community Empowerment
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are also central to NetOne’s operations. The company has introduced solar-powered base stations, ICT labs, and digital literacy programs, aligning sustainability with grassroots empowerment.
“ESG isn’t a slogan for us — it’s our DNA. We’re putting sustainability into practice and governance into action,” Mushanawani affirmed.
Looking Ahead
While honoured by the awards, the CEO insists that service delivery remains his greatest priority:
“You must expect top-notch service from NetOne. Our best award is customer satisfaction. That’s what we strive for every single day.”
With a strong foundation in innovation, a committed team, and a national mandate to connect, empower, and transform, NetOne is not just adapting to the future — it’s helping build it.
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