Business Reporter
NETONE group chief executive officer (CEO), Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, continues to score big as testified by the huge gongs he has bagged.
Just recently , he was awarded the Business Leader of the Year (2025) gong , while his company bagged the Innovation Award during the recently held Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Mashonaland Region awards ceremony.
The awards are in recognition of the hard work and innovations NetOne has achieved under Mr Mushanawani’s leadership.
As the mastermind behind NetOne’s strategic transformation, Eng Mushanawani has demonstrated exceptional skills in driving technological innovation while delivering strong commercial results.
Under his leadership, NetOne has initiated various digital infrastructure projects that align with Zimbabwe’s development goals, positioning him as a key driver of the country’s progression towards Vision 2030.
Among the achievements are the ongoing 5G rollout and improved network infrastructure deployments, which have significantly strengthened NetOne’s position as a competitive player in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
The company’s network connectivity continues to maintain a high uptime, ensuring Zimbabweans, regardless of their location, can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
Eng Mushanawani’s recognition comes at a time when NetOne is actively working to redefine the nation’s digital economy through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
The mobile network operator aims to harness technology to create opportunities for every Zimbabwean.
The company intends to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance connectivity and ensure operational efficiency.
From AI-driven solutions to transformative financial services, the MNO is building a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand.
According to Eng Mushanawani, the goal is not just to increase revenue but to foster a digital ecosystem that uplifts communities, accelerates economic growth, and bridges socio-economic divides.
Eng Mushanawani told this publication in an interview that NetOne is embracing transformation by upgrading its operations to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, driving innovation at every step.
“We are on a transformative journey as NetOne as we seek to upgrade our operations to keep up with the ever-evolving trends of the telecommunications sector.
“That position is making us innovative as ever. Particular innovations by the company include routine activities and processes that have been automated, aligning them with artificial intelligence.
“The firm has also enhanced its query response and network downtime management, enabling swift escalation of faults to maintain high network quality through integrated network operating and customer service software,” said Engineer Mushanawani.
The company has made significant progress in network operations, achieving impressive levels of uptime and availability.
NetOne has also pioneered IoT (Internet of Things) initiatives, launching programmes like smart agriculture, smart mining, and smart health, increasing productivity across various sectors. Looking ahead, the company plans to utilise cutting-edge technology, including low-Earth-orbiting satellites, to further stimulate innovation and growth.
Through Eng Mushanawani’s leadership, NetOne has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as one of Zimbabwe’s leading telecommunications providers.
