By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare – NetOne and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) have formalised a strategic partnership with a clear and impactful mandate: to enhance connectivity across the nation’s key tourism destinations, signaling a landmark move that epitomises Zimbabwe’s whole-of-government approach to national development.
Anchored in President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income economy, the collaboration sees the country’s mobile network operator joining forces with the tourism regulator to digitally transform the sector, ensuring seamless communication, improved visitor experiences, and the integration of smart digital services across the entire tourism value chain.
NetOne’s Joseph Machiva
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Joseph Machiva, NetOne‘s General Manager Financial Services, emphasised that the partnership is not about redefining tourism but strengthening it through digital technologies, while reaffirming the role of Government institutions working in unison to leave no place and no one behind.
“This collaboration is firmly anchored in the national vision set by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whose leadership continues to guide our collective efforts towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the realisation of an upper middle-income economy. It is within this framework that we gather here today, not merely to sign an agreement, but to advance a shared national agenda driven by innovation, inclusion, and digital transformation,” Eng Mushanawani said.
ICT Ministry Perm Sec Dr Beaulah Chirume
He added: “As NetOne, we see ourselves not merely as a telecommunications provider, but as a national enabler, a digital partner, and a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s transformation journey.
“Our role is to ensure that connectivity becomes the backbone upon which sectors such as tourism continue to thrive and evolve.”
Eng Mushanawani outlined concrete interventions, including expanding network coverage in key tourism corridors, rolling out Wi-Fi services at strategic locations, and introducing e-tourism SIM solutions for international travellers.
NetOne Staff
He also disclosed that NetOne is supporting ZTA to modernise its inspectorate function by transitioning from manual processes to fully digitised operations, enabling real-time data collection and improved regulatory efficiency.
In a demonstration of practical empowerment, NetOne has capacitated the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority with laptops and printers, strengthening its operational efficiency and equipping the institution to deliver on its digital mandate with speed, precision, and excellence.
Representing the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Permanent Secretary Dr Beaulah Chirume reaffirmed Government’s resolve to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors.
She hailed the partnership as a model of inter-agency coordination that unlocks opportunities for smart tourism, digital marketing, and data-driven insights.
“Importantly, this collaboration goes beyond connectivity into practical empowerment. Through this strategic alignment, the partnership unlocks opportunities for smart tourism, digital marketing, and data-driven insights, positioning Zimbabwe as a modern, connected destination of choice.
“It is a clear demonstration of how coordinated efforts across Government institutions can drive inclusive development, enhance competitiveness, and ensure no place and no one is left behind,” Dr Chirume said.
Eng Mushanawani also acknowledged the broader leadership shaping the sector, including Her Excellency Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, Patron of Tourism and Gastronomy, whose commitment to promoting Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and culinary excellence has significantly enriched the identity and appeal of the nation’s tourism offering.
The partnership comes at a time when Zimbabwe has already distinguished itself as a leading destination on the global stage.
With NetOne acting as the vanguard of the digital economy, the whole-of-government approach promises to ensure that the country’s tourism sector remains competitive, connected, and responsive to the demands of a modern, digital world.
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