Staff Writer
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has hailed the strategic alliance between NetOne and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) as a game-changing partnership redefining how Zimbabwe positions itself in the global tourism landscape through digital innovation and smart connectivity.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Chief Director Mrs. Tarirai Musonza described the collaboration as a bold and timely intervention that places technology at the centre of tourism growth, competitiveness, and sustainability, in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
She underscored the growing influence of digital ecosystems in shaping global tourism trends, pointing to the recent visit by international content creator IShowSpeed as a powerful demonstration of how strong digital infrastructure can instantly elevate Zimbabwe’s global visibility.
“With millions engaging in real time, Zimbabwe gained unprecedented exposure without significant marketing expenditure.
“This affirms that investment in digital infrastructure is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity,” she said.
At the heart of this milestone is the NetOne–ZTA collaboration, a partnership that reflects a whole-of-government delivery model, bringing together public sector leadership and private sector innovation to accelerate national development under the vision of His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The initiative directly advances NDS2 priorities, including digital transformation, infrastructure development, innovation, and the revitalisation of key economic sectors such as tourism.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, represented by NetOne Financial Services General Manager Mr. Joseph Machiva, emphasised that the partnership is anchored on a shared national vision.
“This collaboration is not just about connectivity—it is about creating an intelligent, responsive, and inclusive tourism ecosystem powered by technology. As NetOne, we are proud to be enabling a digitally driven future for Zimbabwe,” he said.
Through this alliance, NetOne is set to drive the end-to-end digital transformation of ZTA operations, modernising critical functions such as the inspectorate through integrated ICT systems, smart devices, and real-time data platforms. This transition will enhance efficiency, transparency, and regulatory effectiveness, setting new standards for service delivery within the tourism sector.
Beyond institutional transformation, the partnership introduces a suite of innovative, visitor-centric digital solutions designed to elevate the tourism experience, including:
•Tourist e-SIMs offering instant access to connectivity and destination information
•Expanded 4G and 5G network coverage across key tourism routes and destinations
•Public Wi-Fi hotspots in strategic locations
•Portable base stations enabling connectivity in remote and emerging tourism areas
These solutions position Zimbabwe as a smart tourism destination, delivering seamless, high-quality digital experiences that meet global expectations.
In line with sustainable tourism principles, the partnership also prioritises domestic tourism growth, recognising it as essential for sector resilience. By combining connectivity with targeted engagement strategies, NetOne and ZTA aim to increase local participation and ensure inclusive economic benefits.
The integration of OneMoney digital financial services further strengthens the tourism value chain by enabling secure, convenient transactions and bookings, while advancing financial inclusion across the sector.
Equally significant is the partnership’s focus on coordinated Brand Zimbabwe marketing, leveraging digital platforms, social media ecosystems, and joint participation in key national and international events such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). This unified approach ensures consistent, high-impact storytelling that amplifies Zimbabwe’s global appeal.
The collaboration also delivers on capacity building and institutional strengthening, with NetOne supporting ZTA through ICT tools, connectivity, and data services that enhance operational efficiency and real-time communication.
In her welcome remarks, the NetOne Board Chairperson reaffirmed that the partnership is firmly aligned with NDS2, emphasising that technology-driven development is central to unlocking new economic opportunities, empowering communities, and delivering world-class tourism experiences.
Importantly, NetOne’s ability to extend connectivity to underserved areas ensures that no destination is left behind, enabling broader participation in the digital economy and reinforcing the national development ethos of inclusivity.
The NetOne–ZTA alliance stands as a flagship example of collaborative governance and innovation in action, demonstrating how integrated, technology-driven solutions can transform key sectors and accelerate progress towards Vision 2030.
As Zimbabwe strengthens its global tourism footprint, this partnership marks a defining shift towards a digitally empowered, globally competitive, and sustainably driven tourism sector—anchored by the strength of the NetOne and ZTA collaboration.
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