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By Ross Moyo
Though Zimbabwe’s largest Mobile Network Operator (MNO) by subscriber base, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe should have been the first MNO and its technology was stalled by government battles, in 1996, Zimbabwe stood on the threshold of a communications revolution. For many Zimbabweans, particularly those in rural communities, reliable communication remained beyond reach.
NetOne eventually benefited from Econet being sidelined despite its founder Strive Masiyiwa having been the first to bring this technology and instead NetOne was established as Zimbabwe’s first mobile telecommunications operator. Thirty years later, NetOne’s story is inseparable from Zimbabwe’s own story of resilience, innovation and progress.
NetOne gladly celebrates its Pearl Anniversary, celebrating thirty years of supporting economic growth and helping build the digital foundations of a modern Zimbabwe.
Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, has steered the Mutapa Investment Fund entity to evolve from being viewed primarily as a telecommunications service provider into a strategic enabler of Zimbabwe’s digital economy now and in the future.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s support for this State entity is credited for its massive turnaround.
National Development Strategies and the establishment of the Mutapa Investment Fund, has implemented Vision 2030 through a framework that positions strategic national assets to contribute meaningfully towards economic growth and complete digital change.
Being Zimbabwe’s key national entity, NetOne has embraced this responsibility, aligning its investments, innovation and community programmes with the vision of building an empowered, prosperous and digitally connected upper-middle-income society.
Connectivity drives commerce. Connectivity creates employment. Connectivity accelerates national development.
Through 4G LTE, 5G and digital platforms, the company is helping businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs, empowering young people and enabling citizens to participate fully in the digital economy.
Beyond the country’s borders, NetOne continues to strengthen international connectivity through strategic roaming partnerships that keep Zimbabweans connected wherever they travel, facilitating trade, investment, tourism and regional integration.
Today, NetOne stands as more than a telecommunications operator. It is a strategic asset supporting Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.
As NetOne enters its fourth decade, its mission remains clear: to unlock more opportunities and drive Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
NetOne is moving from connecting Zimbabwe to empowering the country as it thrives in this competitive digital era.
NetOne’s story is of a network that helped build a nation and whose greatest contribution still has much more to achieve.
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