HARARE – Fresh from being named the Overall Super Platinum Winner at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards, NetOne Group CEO Eng. Raphael Mushanawani isn’t resting on his laurels. In an exclusive one-on-one with ZiMetro News, the man at the helm of Zimbabwe’s digital revolution opens up about what drives him, the “secret sauce” behind NetOne’s transformation, and why he believes leadership is ultimately a call to service.
ZiMetro News: Eng. Mushanawani, first of all, congratulations! Overall Super Platinum Winner and Best of the Best CEO. How does it feel to be at the very top?
Eng. Mushanawani: Thank you, Kells. Honestly, I receive this with a deep sense of humility. While it’s my name on the trophy, this belongs to the entire NetOne family—our Board, our staff, and especially our customers. It’s a validation that when you combine purpose-driven leadership with a committed team, you can truly move mountains.
ZiMetro News: You beat out some very heavy hitters. Why do you think you emerged as the overall winner this year?
Eng. Mushanawani: I think it comes down to impact. Today, a CEO isn’t just judged by a balance sheet. It’s about how you transform an organization to create real value for the nation. At NetOne, we haven’t just expanded connectivity; we’ve focused on digital inclusion. The true measure of our success isn’t our profit margin—it’s the positive difference we make in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
ZiMetro News: NetOne has changed a lot lately. What’s the one thing you’re most proud of during this transformation?
Eng. Mushanawani: It’s the human stories. It’s the school in a remote area that finally gets internet, or the rural entrepreneur who can now reach global markets through a digital platform. We’re proving that telecommunications isn’t just about technical systems; it’s about unlocking human potential and enabling inclusive growth.
ZiMetro News: You also sit on the Zimpapers Board. How does that role mesh with what you’re doing at NetOne?
Eng. Mushanawani: The worlds of telecoms, media, and technology are converging. At NetOne, we provide the connection. At Zimpapers, I see how that connection is used to transform how information is consumed. Both institutions are vital in empowering citizens through access to information and opportunity.
ZiMetro News: Leadership at this level comes with massive pressure. What keeps you going when things get tough?
Eng. Mushanawani: One word: Impact. When I see technology improving access to education or helping a young person start a business, that sense of purpose washes away the pressure. It’s about contributing to something much bigger than myself.
ZiMetro News: What’s your “leadership philosophy” in a nutshell?
Eng. Mushanawani: Leadership is service. My job isn’t to manage resources; it’s to inspire people and create an environment where excellence can flourish. The best leaders are those who empower others to succeed. When your team feels valued and trusted, extraordinary things happen.
ZiMetro News: Looking ahead, what’s the “next big thing” for NetOne?
Eng. Mushanawani: The future is incredibly exciting. We’re looking at AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. We want Zimbabwe to be an active player in the global digital economy, not just a consumer. We’re building future-ready infrastructure to support national competitiveness.
ZiMetro News: If you could leave one legacy at NetOne, what would it be?
Eng. Mushanawani: I want to be remembered as a leader who helped turn this institution into an engine for national development. If future generations can say NetOne helped connect their communities and improve their lives, then I’ve done my job.
ZiMetro News: Any final words for the young professionals out there who look up to you?
Eng. Mushanawani: Dream boldly and work diligently. Don’t let obstacles discourage you; they are just opportunities to grow. And always remember: focus on creating value for others, and success will naturally follow.
