NetOne Celebrates 30 Years, Drives Zimbabwe’s Digital Economy Forward

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – NetOne, Zimbabwe’s pioneering mobile telecommunications operator, is commemorating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of transforming the nation’s connectivity landscape and actively contributing to its digital economic growth. Established in 1996 when mobile telephony was in its infancy, NetOne has evolved from a basic service provider into a strategic enabler of Zimbabwe’s ambitious Vision 2030.

The company’s journey mirrors Zimbabwe’s own path of resilience and innovation. What began as a luxury mobile phone service has become a ubiquitous tool, serving as a classroom, marketplace, bank, and healthcare platform for millions. This transformation underscores NetOne’s pivotal role in leveraging connectivity for national development .

Under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne has strategically aligned its operations with national priorities, moving beyond traditional telecommunications to become a key player in the digital economy. This alignment is further reinforced by the government’s Vision 2030, National Development Strategies, and the Mutapa Investment Fund, which aim to position national assets like NetOne to drive economic growth and digital transformation .

Today, NetOne’s investments in modern technologies, including 4G LTE and 5G, and extensive network expansion, are connecting Zimbabweans to unprecedented opportunities. Connectivity, once merely about making calls, now powers education, commerce, healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion, and employment generation, accelerating overall national development .

As NetOne enters its fourth decade, its mission remains focused on expanding connectivity, empowering communities, and unlocking further opportunities to propel Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.

The company asserts that while the first thirty years were about connecting Zimbabwe, the next three decades will be dedicated to empowering the nation to thrive in the digital age .