Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
ONE of the country’s largest mobile network operators, NetOne, has marked 30 years of operations, celebrating its transformation from Zimbabwe’s first cellular network provider into a key driver of the nation’s digital economy and socio-economic development agenda, a journey the company says has unfolded within the broader framework of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategies.
The company said its transformation over the past three decades mirrors Zimbabwe’s own journey of resilience, innovation and progress, with connectivity now serving as a critical tool for economic growth, education, healthcare, financial inclusion and community development.
In a statement commemorating its Pearl Anniversary, NetOne said it was celebrating more than three decades of business operations, but also 30 years of connecting Zimbabweans to opportunities and helping lay the foundations for a modern digital economy.
“Thirty years later, NetOne’s story is inseparable from Zimbabwe’s own story of resilience, innovation and progress. As the company celebrates its Pearl Anniversary, it is not merely commemorating three decades of business operations.
“It is celebrating thirty years of connecting people to opportunities, empowering communities, supporting economic growth and helping build the digital foundations of a modern Zimbabwe,” said NetOne.
Under the leadership of group chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne has undergone a remarkable transformation from a conventional telecommunications operator into a strategic enabler of Zimbabwe’s digital economy, aligning its growth, investments and innovation programmes with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategies to support national development and digital transformation.
“The transformation of NetOne has unfolded within the broader framework of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda championed by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Through Vision 2030, the National Development Strategies and the establishment of the Mutapa Investment Fund, the Government has created a framework that positions strategic national assets to contribute meaningfully towards economic growth, digital transformation and the creation of generational wealth.”
NetOne said it has aligned its investments, innovation programmes and community initiatives with the Government’s vision of building an empowered, prosperous and digitally connected upper-middle-income economy.
“As one of Zimbabwe’s key national enterprises, 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.”
The telecommunications operator said connectivity has evolved beyond voice communication and now plays a central role in national development.
“Connectivity powers education. Connectivity drives commerce. Connectivity supports healthcare. Connectivity enables agriculture. Connectivity facilitates financial inclusion. Connectivity creates employment. Connectivity accelerates national development,” said the company.
NetOne said investments in 4G LTE, 5G technologies and digital platforms were helping businesses, entrepreneurs and communities participate fully in the digital economy.
“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.”
The company also highlighted its extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives, saying development must be inclusive and benefit all Zimbabweans.
“For NetOne, corporate social responsibility is not an obligation. It is a commitment to nation-building. Guided by the principle of leaving no one and no place behind, the organisation has consistently invested in initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities.”
NetOne said it has supported education through the provision of computers and digital learning tools, assisted with school rehabilitation projects and implemented solar-powered solutions in underserved communities.
The company has also established nutritional gardens to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods while championing programmes supporting persons with albinism and anti-drug and substance abuse campaigns targeting youths.
“Every learner empowered, every community connected, every vulnerable citizen supported and every opportunity created contributes towards a stronger Zimbabwe,” said NetOne.
The mobile operator said it was also strengthening international connectivity through strategic roaming partnerships that facilitate trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.
Looking ahead, NetOne said its mission remains focused on expanding connectivity, empowering communities and driving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.
“Today, NetOne stands as more than a telecommunications operator. It is a national enabler. It is a technology partner. It is a catalyst for economic growth.
“It is a bridge connecting communities to opportunities. It is a strategic asset supporting Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.
“As NetOne enters its fourth decade, its mission remains clear: to connect more people, empower more communities, unlock more opportunities and drive Zimbabwe’s digital transformation.”
The company said while its first 30 years were largely about connecting Zimbabwe, the next three decades would focus on empowering the country to thrive in the digital age.
“The first thirty years were about connecting Zimbabwe. The next thirty years will be about empowering Zimbabwe to thrive in the digital age,” said NetOne.
