NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to driving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda, saying the telecoms giant stands ready to connect generations and empower the nation’s youth as the country moves toward Vision 2030.
Speaking at the Vision 2030 Intergenerational Dialogue Summit, held at Newlands Country Club on 12 November 2025, Eng. Mushanawani said the convergence of technology, skills, and innovation is redefining Zimbabwe’s development path under the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The summit, attended by senior Government officials, diplomats, development partners, industry leaders and the youth fraternity, explored how collaboration across generations can accelerate socio-economic transformation.
Eng. Mushanawani said Zimbabwe is at a turning point, with digitalisation opening vast opportunities for young people. He emphasised that NetOne is not only a telecommunications operator but a national enabler facilitating access to education, enterprise, innovation, and essential services.
“We are deploying the foundation of digital infrastructure that will carry the next generation into the future they deserve. The youth of today are the leaders of our digital tomorrow,” he said.
Intergenerational Dialogue Through Technology
The NetOne CEO said the summit’s theme, intergenerational dialogue, aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to bridge Zimbabwe’s age, skill and knowledge divide.
He stressed that technology should enhance unity between generations rather than create a gap.
“The older generation brings wisdom and institutional memory; the younger generation brings innovation and agility. Our responsibility is to create the digital bridges that make this exchange seamless, productive, and sustainable,” he said.
Youth Empowerment at the Core
Eng. Mushanawani outlined NetOne’s robust efforts to empower young people through digital skills development.
The company is partnering with tertiary institutions, vocational training centres, and innovation hubs to groom young software developers, data scientists, and problem-solvers who will shape Zimbabwe’s participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He emphasized that NetOne is “catching them young,” ensuring that students equipped with technology today become digital contributors tomorrow.
Technology with a Human Face
The CEO noted that while technology drives progress, its ultimate purpose is to improve lives.
NetOne is playing a key role in national campaigns promoting responsible digital citizenship and fighting drug and substance abuse among youths.
“Technology must serve humanity, not replace it. It must uplift, not isolate,” he said.
Smart Agriculture and Smart Mining Initiatives
Highlighting NetOne’s impact across various sectors, Eng. Mushanawani said the company’s digital platforms are transforming agriculture and mining—two pillars of Zimbabwe’s economy.
In Smart Agriculture, young farmers now access real-time weather updates, land-use data, and digital mapping tools to guide farming decisions and boost productivity.
In Smart Mining, digital tools such as electronic surveying and online claim management are empowering young miners to operate responsibly and efficiently.
Touching Lives Through Connectivity
Eng. Mushanawani said NetOne measures success through the real human impact of its services.
Whether it’s a rural student accessing e-learning, a farmer receiving weather alerts, or a clinic consulting specialists remotely, every connection represents a life changed.
Collaboration, Not Competition
The NetOne CEO also acknowledged the contributions of other ICT players, both local and international, who share the same goal of advancing Zimbabwe’s digital future.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration within the digital ecosystem, especially with global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite partners enhancing rural connectivity.
Advancing Towards Vision 2030
As Zimbabwe shifts into NDS2 and intensifies efforts toward becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030, Eng. Mushanawani pledged that NetOne will continue investing in digital infrastructure, skills development, and inclusive connectivity.
“We are building the future under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, one connection, one skill, and one empowered young person at a time,” he added.
A Bridge Between Generations
He concluded by noting that intergenerational dialogue is not only about exchanging ideas but also sharing responsibility for nation-building.
NetOne, he said, stands as a bridge between past wisdom and future innovation, powering progress and touching lives daily.
