NetOne at the heart of Fourth Industrial Revolution: Group Chief Executive

Lovemore Chazingwa

Telecommunications services provider, NetOne is at the heart of the fourth generation digital transformation, group chief executive has said.
Raphael Mushanawani made the remarks at the recent information communication technology (ICT) summit in Harare.
The Evolve ICT Summit, 3rd Edition, took place on June 11–12, 2026, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The pan-African digital transformation forum united founders, students, tech builders, and policy leaders to explore the theme ‘Securing Africa’s Digital Infrastructure: Trust, Resilience & Connectivity’.
The astute National Business Hall of Fame inductee, made an unequivocal statement that resonates with the national ICT/AI policy pronounced by Minister Hon. Tatenda Mavetere in Mutare earlier this year.
Mushanawani is reading from the same hymn book that current ICT trends are discerning.
“History teaches us that every great leap in human progress is built on infrastructure. But, artificial intelligence (AI) cannot stand alone. Its true power is unlocked through robust, intelligent connectivity. Today, AI is the next great leap. Without networks, there’s no digital economy. That is why telecommunications operators like NetOne are at the heart of the fourth industrial revolution (FIR).”
The company has embraced its responsibility and positioned itself to fully leverage existence as a vital cog in Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
“At NetOne we see our responsibility clearly as we build Zimbabwe’s future digital economy. This includes enabling innovation, empowering enterprise, connecting communities and driving inclusive growth in line with Vision 2030 and NDS2.”
NDS2 is Zimbabwe’s five-year economic blueprint running from 2026 to 2030. Launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, it is the final strategic phase of the country’s roadmap to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered and prosperous Upper-Middle-Income Economy (UMIE) by 2030.
The blue print aims for sustainable, inclusive growth, targeting economic stabilization, infrastructure, food security, and human capital development, alongside governance and international engagement.
The launch of Zimbabwe’s AI policy earlier this year was a watershed moment. It signals Government’s commitment to harness emerging technologies for national development. NetOne fully embraces this vision. Through sustained investment in intelligent networks, the digital solutions network is positions Zimbabwe not as a spectator but, a contributor to global AI revolution.
At NetOne the group CE, Mushanawani spectacles building intelligent adaptive future ready networks. “AI prepares us to shift from reactive to predictive solutions. AI is revolutionizing customer experience, not widening the digital gap but, bridging it. For Zimbabwe, AI offers an opportunity to expand access to essential services and create opportunities for underserved communities. NetOne is committed to ensuring that digital transformation reaches every corner of this nation.’
Adding: “The future of networks is not defined by faster networks but, those that are smarter, NetOne is in that mould.”
As Africa advances, NetOne is proud to be a part of this journey through parceling out products that resonate with communities across the economic seams.