An Exclusive Interview with NetOne CEO Eng. Raphael Mushanawani

HARARE – In the wake of being crowned the Overall Super Platinum Winner and “Best of the Best CEO” at the prestigious Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards, NetOne Group CEO, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, remains remarkably grounded. For him, the accolades are not a personal triumph but a testament to a broader mission: the digital transformation of Zimbabwe.

In an exclusive sit-down with The Zimbabwe Times, Eng. Mushanawani shared his insights on leadership, the evolution of the telecommunications sector, and NetOne’s pivotal role in driving the nation toward Vision 2030.

While the award marks a pinnacle in his professional career, Eng. Mushanawani was quick to credit the “NetOne family” for the achievement.

“I receive this recognition with humility and gratitude,” he said. “While the award bears my name, it is a reflection of the collective efforts of our Board, our staff, and our customers. It reinforces our conviction that purpose-driven leadership, combined with a committed team, can make institutions powerful instruments for social progress.”

He attributed his win to a shift in how leadership is measured today. “Leaders are no longer judged solely by financial results, but by their ability to create sustainable value and contribute to national development,” he explained.

Under Mushanawani’s tenure, NetOne has transitioned from being a mere service provider to a strategic enabler of the economy. He expressed immense pride in the tangible impact of the company’s infrastructure projects, particularly in rural areas.

“Telecommunications is not just about connectivity; it’s about creating opportunities,” Mushanawani noted. “Every connected school and every rural community brought into the digital ecosystem represents meaningful progress. Seeing young entrepreneurs build businesses through our platforms is what motivates me every day.”

He emphasized that connectivity now underpins every vital sector, including agriculture, mining, and healthcare, making NetOne a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.

The CEO also highlighted the importance of an enabling environment, crediting the government’s commitment to digitalization under President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa. Furthermore, he pointed to the Mutapa Investment Fund, led by Dr. John Mangudya, as a key factor in strengthening governance and accountability within state-owned enterprises.

“That strategic support has helped reinforce our focus on performance and long-term value creation for Zimbabwe,” he added.

The awards ceremony also saw other NetOne leaders recognized, including Head of Human Resources Mr. Manhando and Chief Finance Officer Mrs. Nyasha Nyambuya. Eng. Mushanawani praised the depth of leadership within the organization, mentioning the strategic counsel of Board members like Professor T. Garikai.

“No leader succeeds alone,” he asserted. “The recognition of NetOne’s leadership at various levels is a powerful endorsement of our culture of excellence and accountability.”

Looking to the future, Eng. Mushanawani is optimistic about the role of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). His goal is to ensure Zimbabwe is an active participant, rather than just a consumer, in the global digital economy.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, his answer was clear: “I would like to be remembered as a leader who helped transform institutions into engines of national development—a leader who understood that technology is about people and possibilities.”

His advice to the next generation of Zimbabwean leaders is simple yet profound: “Dream boldly, work diligently, and remember that leadership is about service. Focus on creating value for others, and success will naturally follow.”