NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Raphael Mushanawani, has described his recognition as the Overall Super Platinum Winner and Best of the Best CEO at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards as a reflection of collective effort rather than individual achievement.
Speaking in an exclusive interview following the awards, Mushanawani said the honour belongs to the entire NetOne team, the board, customers and stakeholders who have supported the company’s transformation journey.
“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,” Eng Mushanawani said.
Mushanawani said the award recognises the impact NetOne has made through digital transformation, innovation and efforts to expand connectivity across Zimbabwe.
According to the NetOne chief executive, modern leadership is measured not only by financial performance but also by the ability to create sustainable value and positively influence society.
“The ultimate measure of success is not what we achieve as a company, but the positive difference we make in the lives of Zimbabweans,” he said.
Under his leadership, NetOne has invested heavily in network expansion, digital inclusion and infrastructure modernisation. Mushanawani said he is most proud of the impact these investments are having on ordinary citizens.
“Every connected school, every digitally empowered entrepreneur, every rural community brought into the digital ecosystem represents meaningful progress,” he stated.
He added that NetOne’s role extends beyond telecommunications, positioning the company as a key driver of Zimbabwe’s digital future.
“Connectivity today underpins every sector of the economy, from agriculture and mining to education, healthcare, tourism, and financial services,” he said.
Mushanawani also acknowledged the support provided by Government and the Mutapa Investment Fund in creating an environment that supports innovation, accountability and growth.
He credited the fund’s leadership under John Mangudya for strengthening governance and value creation within state-owned enterprises.
Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Mushanawani said leadership is about service, vision and empowering others.
“The greatest leaders are those who empower others to succeed. When people feel valued, trusted, and inspired, extraordinary things happen,” Eng Mushanawani said.
He also highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving success.
“No leader succeeds alone. Behind every achievement is a dedicated team that shares a common vision and works tirelessly to achieve it.”
Looking ahead, Mushanawani said emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things will transform Zimbabwe’s economy, and NetOne is committed to ensuring the country remains competitive in the digital age.
“Our focus is to ensure that Zimbabwe is not merely a consumer of technology but an active participant in the digital economy.”
On the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Mushanawani said he wants to be remembered as a leader who helped transform institutions into engines of national development.
“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,” he added.
The interview also recognised the contributions of NetOne’s leadership team, including board member T. Garikai, Head of Human Resources Manhando, and Chief Finance Officer Nyasha Nyambuya, who were also honoured at the awards.
The accolades reflect NetOne’s growing reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading institutions driving digital transformation, innovation and inclusive economic development.
