Harare, Zimbabwe – NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, was recently honored as the Business Leader of the Year (2024). His company, NetOne, also received the Innovation Award at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Mashonaland Region awards ceremony. These accolades acknowledge the significant achievements and pioneering efforts NetOne has made under Eng. Mushanawani’s guidance.
As the driving force behind NetOne’s strategic evolution, Eng. Mushanawani has demonstrated exceptional skill in fostering technological innovation while also delivering strong commercial results. Under his leadership, NetOne has spearheaded numerous digital infrastructure projects that align with Zimbabwe’s national development objectives, cementing his role as a key contributor to the nation’s progress towards Vision 2030.
Among NetOne’s key accomplishments are the ongoing 5G rollout and enhanced network infrastructure deployments. These initiatives have significantly bolstered NetOne’s competitive standing in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation landscape. The company’s network connectivity consistently maintains high uptime, ensuring that all Zimbabweans, regardless of their location, can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
Eng. Mushanawani’s recognition comes as NetOne actively works to redefine the nation’s digital economy through its dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. The mobile network operator aims to leverage technology to create opportunities for every Zimbabwean. The company also plans to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance connectivity and boost operational efficiency. From AI-driven solutions to transformative financial services, NetOne is building a future where innovation and inclusivity are paramount.
According to Eng. Mushanawani, NetOne’s goal extends beyond just increasing revenue. It aims to foster a digital ecosystem that uplifts communities, accelerates economic growth, and bridges socio-economic divides.
In an interview, Eng. Mushanawani stated that NetOne is actively embracing transformation by upgrading its operations to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, driving innovation at every turn.
“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,” said Engineer Mushanawani. “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.”
He added that “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.”
NetOne has made notable strides in network operations, achieving impressive levels of uptime and availability. The company has also pioneered IoT (Internet of Things) initiatives, launching programs such as smart agriculture, smart mining, and smart health, which have boosted productivity across various sectors. Looking ahead, NetOne plans to utilize cutting-edge technology, including low-Earth-orbiting satellites, to further stimulate innovation and growth.
Under Eng. Mushanawani’s leadership, NetOne has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its position as one of Zimbabwe’s premier telecommunications providers.

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