Overall Platinum Winner – Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards

Interviewer:  Congratulations on being named the Overall Super Platinum Winner and Best of the Best CEO. What does this recognition mean to you?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: Thank you. I receive this recognition with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility.

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. It is also recognition of an institution that has embraced innovation, resilience, and transformation in pursuit of national development.

Most importantly, it reinforces our conviction that when purpose-driven leadership is combined with a committed team and a clear strategy, institutions can become powerful instruments for economic growth and social progress.

Interviewer:  Why do you think you emerged as the overall winner among Zimbabwe’s top CEOs?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: 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.

At NetOne, we have focused on expanding connectivity, driving digital inclusion, modernising infrastructure, enhancing customer experience, and positioning technology as a catalyst for economic empowerment. The ultimate measure of success is not what we achieve as a company, but the positive difference we make in the lives of Zimbabweans.

Interviewer:  What leadership philosophy has guided your journey?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: I believe leadership is about service, vision, and execution.

A leader’s responsibility is not simply to manage resources but to inspire people, build strong institutions, and create an environment where innovation and excellence can flourish.

I have always believed that the greatest leaders are those who empower others to succeed. When people feel valued, trusted, and inspired, extraordinary things happen.

Interviewer:  NetOne has undergone significant transformation in recent years. What are you most proud of?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: 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.

We are proving that telecommunications is not merely about connectivity; it is about creating opportunities, unlocking potential, and enabling inclusive growth.

Interviewer:  How do you see NetOne’s role in Zimbabwe’s development agenda?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: NetOne is more than a telecommunications operator. We are a strategic enabler of Zimbabwe’s digital future.

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.

As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, NetOne remains committed to playing a leading role in accelerating digital transformation and economic development.

Interviewer:  How important has Government support been in enabling NetOne’s growth?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: Government’s commitment to digitalisation has created an enabling environment for institutions such as NetOne to innovate and grow.

Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has placed significant emphasis on innovation, industrialisation, and digital transformation as drivers of economic development. As NetOne, we are proud to contribute towards that national vision through investments that connect communities, empower businesses, and create opportunities for citizens.

Interviewer:  What role has the Mutapa Investment Fund played in NetOne’s transformation journey?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: The Mutapa Investment Fund has played an important strategic role in strengthening governance, accountability, and value creation across State-Owned Enterprises.

Under the leadership of Dr. John Mangudya, there has been a strong emphasis on ensuring that national assets operate efficiently, sustainably, and in a manner that contributes meaningfully to economic development.

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

Interviewer:  What motivates you despite the pressures of leading one of Zimbabwe’s most important institutions?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: Impact.

When you visit a rural community that has just received connectivity, when you see young entrepreneurs building businesses through digital platforms, or when you witness technology improving access to education and information, you realise that the work we do has a direct impact on people’s lives.

That sense of purpose is what motivates me every day.

Interviewer:  What role has teamwork played in your success?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: An enormous one.

No leader succeeds alone. Behind every achievement is a dedicated team that shares a common vision and works tirelessly to achieve it.

I have been privileged to work with exceptional professionals throughout my career, and the NetOne team continues to demonstrate remarkable commitment, expertise, and resilience. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me.

Interviewer:  You also serve on the Board of Zimpapers. How does that role complement your work at NetOne?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: The future is being shaped by the convergence of telecommunications, media, and technology.

At NetOne, we connect people. Through my role at Zimpapers, I have gained a deeper appreciation of how digital platforms are transforming the way information is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Both institutions are playing important roles in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey, and both have a responsibility to empower citizens through access to connectivity, information, and opportunity.

Interviewer:  How do you view the future of telecommunications in Zimbabwe?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: The future is incredibly exciting.

Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and advanced digital services are reshaping economies around the world.

Our focus is to ensure that Zimbabwe is not merely a consumer of technology but an active participant in the digital economy. NetOne will continue investing in innovation and future-ready infrastructure that supports national competitiveness and economic growth.

Interviewer:  Beyond business performance, how do you define success?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: Success is measured by impact.

It is about the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create, the people we empower, and the legacy we leave behind.

Financial performance is important because it enables sustainability, but true success is reflected in the positive contribution we make to society.

Interviewer:  What advice would you give to young professionals and aspiring leaders?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: Dream boldly, work diligently, and remain committed to excellence.

Do not be discouraged by challenges. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger.

Most importantly, remember that leadership is about service. Focus on creating value for others, and success will naturally follow.

Interviewer:  What has been the most rewarding aspect of your leadership journey?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: The opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself.

There is great fulfilment in knowing that the decisions we make today can create opportunities for future generations. Whether through connectivity, innovation, or institutional transformation, it is rewarding to be part of a journey that contributes to Zimbabwe’s progress and prosperity.

Interviewer:  Finally, what legacy would you like to leave behind?

Eng. R. Mushanawani: 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 not simply about systems and networks, but about people and possibilities.

A leader who empowered teams, nurtured talent, embraced innovation, and contributed meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s digital transformation journey.

If future generations can say that NetOne helped connect communities, unlock opportunities, support economic growth, and improve lives, then I will consider that a meaningful legacy.

Ultimately, leadership is not about the positions we hold or the awards we receive. It is about the impact we leave behind and the value we create for society.

Interviewer’s Closing Remarks

Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, thank you for sharing your insights, leadership philosophy, and vision for Zimbabwe’s digital future. On behalf of our readers, stakeholders, and the broader business community, we extend our warmest congratulations on being crowned the Overall Platinum Winner and the Best CEO at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards.

This distinguished honour is not only a recognition of exceptional corporate leadership, but also of your contribution to advancing digital transformation, innovation, connectivity, and national development through NetOne. Your journey reflects the qualities of a modern leader—visionary, transformative, people-centred, and deeply committed to creating sustainable value for both the organisation and the nation.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we also acknowledge the collective leadership that continues to strengthen the NetOne brand. Congratulations to Professor T. Garikai distinguished academic, former Pro Vice Chancellor at HIT, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Africa University, and NetOne Non-Executive Director, whose strategic counsel and governance contribution continue to enrich the organisation. We equally congratulate Mr. Manhando, Head of Human Resources, on his Platinum Award recognition, and Chief Finance Officer Mrs. Nyasha Nyambuya on her well-deserved award, reflecting the depth of leadership excellence that exists within the NetOne family.

These achievements demonstrate that great institutions are built by great teams. The recognition of NetOne’s leadership at various levels is a powerful endorsement of the organisation’s culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and high performance.

As NetOne continues to cement its position as a key enabler of Zimbabwe’s digital economy, we wish you, the Board, Management, and the entire NetOne family continued success in shaping a connected, inclusive, and prosperous future for Zimbabwe.

Congratulations once again, Eng. Mushanawani, on this outstanding achievement and for setting a benchmark of leadership excellence that continues to inspire the corporate sector and the nation at large.