Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S tourism sector is set for a digital transformation after NetOne partnered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to modernise operations, expand connectivity, and integrate artificial intelligence into service delivery.
The initiative, backed by donations of ICT equipment and strategic policy support, is being hailed as a milestone in aligning tourism with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS2).
NetOne’s CEO Mr Raphael Mushanawani, who was represented by the general manager, Mobile Financial Services, Mr Joseph Machiva, said NetOne positions itself as a digital enabler, ensuring tourism thrives on connectivity.
“Our role is to ensure that connectivity becomes the backbone upon which sectors such as tourism thrive and evolve,” said Mr Mushanawani.
“Through this partnership, we are supporting the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in modernising its inspectorate function by enabling the transition from manual processes to fully digitised operations.
He said NetOne is expanding coverage and rolling out e-tourism solutions to make Zimbabwe more accessible.
“We are expanding network coverage in key tourism corridors and destinations, ensuring that visitors and local communities alike have access to reliable connectivity,” he said.
“We are introducing e-tourism solutions designed to make Zimbabwe more accessible and convenient for international travellers, while also promoting the use of local digital services,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Beaulah Chirume, said tourism must embrace AI and structured data to remain competitive.
“This strategy signals a clear transition towards AI-enabled tourism and decision-making and intelligent public service systems,” she said.
“Through digitised inspections, we will achieve real-time operational visibility, enhanced regulatory compliance, and the foundation for predictive analytics as we integrate AI systems into this sector.”
She emphasised that the Government sees tourism as a test case for building a smarter, AI-driven economy.
“Let me conclude by saying that we aim, as the Zimbabwe government, for a smarter, data-driven, AI-enabled government ecosystem,” she said.
“We need to have something we can do that globally, everybody else begins to learn from and replicate.”
Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Industry Chief Director Ms Tarirai Musonza, representing Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, said the partnership provides practical tools to strengthen ZTA’s efficiency and visibility.
“In today’s world, if you are not digitally visible, you are invisible. Today, we proudly receive this IT equipment, a vital intervention that will enable full registration and licensing of tourism facilities across all provinces,” he said.
Dr Munyanyiwa said Wi-Fi at attractions and digital platforms will amplify Zimbabwe’s global reach.
“It enhances visitor experience, drives local visibility, increases revenue, and strengthens national competitiveness,” he said.
“Beyond infrastructure, this partnership ushers in co-branding and joint marketing initiatives that will apply the Zimbabwe tourism brand across multiple platforms.”
