By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
NetOne Group CEO, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, was recently named the Overall Super Platinum Winner and Best of the Best CEO at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores his transformative leadership and NetOne’s expanding footprint in driving Zimbabwe’s digital inclusion and national development agenda.
Responding to the honor, Mushanawani expressed deep humility, dedicating the award to the wider NetOne team, board of directors, and customers. “While the award bears my name, it is a reflection of the collective efforts of the NetOne family,” he stated, emphasizing that purpose-driven leadership paired with a committed team can turn corporate institutions into powerful engines for national economic growth.
Under his stewardship, NetOne has transitioned from a basic telecommunications operator into a core enabler of Zimbabwe’s digital future. Mushanawani noted that modern leaders are judged by their societal impact rather than financial metrics alone. “We are proving that telecommunications is not merely about connectivity; it is about creating opportunities, unlocking potential, and enabling inclusive growth,” he explained.
Mushanawani highlighted the critical role of government support and the Mutapa Investment Fund, led by Dr. John Mangudya, in strengthening institutional governance and accountability. This alignment helps NetOne deploy future-ready infrastructure like Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing, positioning Zimbabwe as an active participant in the global digital economy. He also noted how his board role at Zimpapers complements this mission, given the accelerating convergence of telecommunications, media, and technology.
The awards also celebrated NetOne’s broader leadership depth, honoring Non-Executive Director Professor T. Garikai, Head of Human Resources Mr. Manhando, and Chief Finance Officer Mrs. Nyasha Nyambuya. Mushanawani reiterated that no leader succeeds in isolation, praising his executive team for fostering a corporate culture rooted in high performance and innovation.
Looking ahead, Mushanawani hopes to leave a legacy of meaningful societal transformation. “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,” he concluded, reaffirming that true success lies in the value created for society.