Mushanawani Named Zim’s Top CEO as NetOne Transformation Gains Recognition
NETONE Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani has been crowned the Overall Super Platinum Winner and Best of the Best CEO at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards, a recognition he says reflects the impact of the state-owned telecommunications giant’s transformation journey.
Eng Mushanawani, who has overseen significant changes at NetOne in recent years, attributed the accolade to the collective efforts of the company’s workforce, board, customers and stakeholders.
“While the award bears my name, it is a reflection of the collective efforts of the NetOne family, our Board of Directors, our valued customers and all stakeholders who continue to believe in our vision,” he said in an interview.
The veteran telecommunications executive said the recognition demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership can transform institutions into engines of economic development.
“I believe the recognition reflects impact. Today’s leaders are not judged solely by financial results but by their ability to transform organisations, create sustainable value, inspire people and contribute to national development,” Eng Mushanawani said.
Under Mushanawani’s leadership, NetOne has accelerated investments in digital infrastructure, network expansion and customer-focused technologies aimed at broadening access to connectivity across Zimbabwe.
He said telecommunications has evolved beyond providing communication services to becoming a critical enabler of economic growth.
“Connectivity today underpins every sector of the economy, from agriculture and mining to education, healthcare, tourism and financial services. Our responsibility is to build the digital infrastructure that supports productivity, innovation and competitiveness,” he said.
Mushanawani highlighted the company’s contribution towards the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations through digital inclusion initiatives and infrastructure modernisation programmes.
“What makes me proud is not only the infrastructure we have deployed or the technologies we have introduced, but the impact those investments are having on people’s lives. Every connected school, every digitally empowered entrepreneur, every rural community brought into the digital ecosystem represents meaningful progress,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role played by Government and the Mutapa Investment Fund in supporting NetOne’s transformation agenda.
According to Mushanawani, Government’s digitalisation drive has created an enabling environment for innovation and growth, while the Mutapa Investment Fund has strengthened governance and accountability across State-Owned Enterprises.
“The strategic support has helped reinforce our focus on performance, innovation and long-term value creation for Zimbabwe,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mushanawani said emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things would shape the future of telecommunications.
“Our focus is to ensure that Zimbabwe is not merely a consumer of technology but an active participant in the digital economy,” he said.
The award comes at a time when NetOne continues to position itself as a key player in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda through investments aimed at expanding connectivity and creating opportunities for citizens and businesses.
