NetOne and ZTA Forge Strategic Alliance

Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s burgeoning tourism sector is poised for a significant digital overhaul following the formalization of a landmark partnership between telecommunications giant NetOne and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

This strategic alliance, unveiled at a high-level event in Acturus, Harare, on April 1, 2026, is designed to elevate the nation’s global competitiveness through enhanced connectivity, modernized operations, and a robust digital infrastructure.

The collaborative endeavor brought together key figures, including Dr. B. Chirume, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, and Mr. George Manyaya, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the ZTA. Representing NetOne Group Chief Executive Raphael Mushanawani, General Manager Mr. Joseph Machiva articulated the telecommunication firm’s commitment to this national initiative. The NetOne Board Chairperson, in his welcoming remarks, characterized the partnership as a decisive step towards cultivating “a stronger, more connected, and more competitive Zimbabwe,” emphasizing its foundation in innovation and collaborative synergy aligned with the nation’s broader development agenda.

This initiative is firmly anchored within the framework of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritizes comprehensive digital transformation and the strategic reinforcement of vital economic sectors, with tourism at its forefront. Through this overarching national blueprint, Zimbabwe aims to streamline service delivery, foster innovation, and cultivate an inclusive digital economy that benefits all stakeholders.

Mr. Mushanawani, speaking on behalf of NetOne’s leadership, underscored the profound strategic importance of this partnership in advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations, a vision championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He acknowledged Zimbabwe’s established global recognition as a tourist destination, asserting that the seamless integration of cutting-edge digital technologies would further amplify efficiency, accessibility, and sustainable growth within the sector. “As NetOne, our objective is not to redefine tourism, but rather to fortify its foundations, expand its reach, and deepen its impact through innovative digital solutions,” he affirmed.

A cornerstone of this collaboration involves the comprehensive digitization of the ZTA’s inspectorate functions. This pivotal transition from conventional manual systems to real-time, technology-driven operations is expected to significantly enhance regulatory efficiency, optimize data collection methodologies, and improve service delivery across tourism establishments nationwide.

Beyond operational enhancements, NetOne is committed to a substantial expansion of its network coverage within critical tourism corridors. This initiative includes the strategic deployment of Wi-Fi services in key destinations, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for both domestic and international visitors. Furthermore, the introduction of specialized e-tourism SIM solutions, such as the “Tourist SIM” card—a prepaid offering encompassing voice, SMS, and data—is anticipated to streamline convenience for travelers and actively promote the utilization of local digital platforms.

The instrumental role of First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, in her capacity as Tourism Patron and Gastronomy and Cultural and Heritage Ambassador for UN Tourism and UNESCO, was also duly acknowledged. Stakeholders lauded her tireless efforts in championing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and diverse gastronomy on the international stage, particularly her pioneering Cookout initiative, which has become a hallmark of promoting indigenous knowledge systems and traditional values.

Mr. Manyaya, having recently assumed leadership at the ZTA, is tasked with steering the organization into a new epoch of innovation and growth.

This partnership with NetOne exemplifies his strategic approach to leveraging collaborative alliances to solidify Zimbabwe’s standing as a premier global tourist destination. The alliance itself reflects a broader “whole-of-government” approach, uniting various institutions in a concerted effort to drive sustainable national development.

Industry stakeholders have expressed considerable optimism that the profound integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into the tourism ecosystem will not only enrich the visitor experience but also empower local communities and catalyze significant economic growth.

As Zimbabwe continues its trajectory on the global tourism map, the NetOne-ZTA alliance stands as a forward-thinking paradigm, illustrating the powerful convergence of technology and tourism in unlocking the sector’s full, transformative potential.