By Staff Reporter
HARARE — NetOne, one of the country’s leading telecommunications firms, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) on Wednesday signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement aimed at driving growth at the intersection of technology, tourism, and investment.
The collaboration, officiated by ZTA chief executive Dr George Manyaya and NetOne general manager Joseph Machiva, representing group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, was unveiled in the capital at a high-level ceremony attended by senior government officials and industry stakeholders.
The NetOne-ZTA partnership is anticipated to accelerate digital transformation, enhance visitor experiences, and unlock new commercial opportunities within Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
As part of the initiative, NetOne donated 50 laptops and 35 printers to ZTA to support the partnership’s operational rollout, an intervention anticipated to fast-track digitisation across the tourism value chain.
The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services also contributed 20 laptops in support of the programme.
The NetOne–ZTA partnership aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises digital innovation and the strengthening of high-impact sectors such as tourism, widely regarded as a critical foreign currency earner.
Speaking at the event, ZTA board member Tarirai Musonza, said the collaboration signals a deliberate shift towards a digitally enabled tourism ecosystem.
“This collaboration is a testament to the drive towards achieving a digital backbone in tourism and connectivity.
“It is a great occasion to witness a continued partnership between ZTA and NetOne,” she said.
NetOne executives said the agreement goes beyond conventional telecommunications support, positioning the operator as a strategic partner in tourism development.
Through the deployment of ICT tools, integrated platforms, and secure connectivity, the partnership is expected to modernise ZTA’s inspectorate systems, transitioning from manual processes to real-time, data-driven operations.
This shift is anticipated to improve regulatory efficiency, enhance transparency, and strengthen service delivery across tourism establishments, factors seen as critical in boosting investor confidence and destination competitiveness.
From a business perspective, the partnership is also expected to open new revenue streams within the digital tourism ecosystem.
NetOne’s planned rollout of Wi-Fi services in key tourism destinations, alongside the introduction of e-tourism SIM solutions, is set to improve connectivity for international visitors while supporting local enterprises that rely on digital platforms.
Industry analysts note that seamless connectivity has become a decisive factor in global travel decisions, with digitally connected destinations more likely to attract high-value tourists and encourage longer stays.
In remarks read on his behalf by Machiva, Mushanawani said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to position NetOne as a national digital enabler.
“This collaboration is firmly anchored in the national vision set by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whose leadership continues to guide our collective efforts towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the realisation of an upper middle-income economy.
“It is within this framework that we gather here today, not merely to sign an agreement, but to advance a shared national agenda driven by innovation, inclusion, and digital transformation.
“Through this partnership, we are supporting the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in modernising its operations while ensuring that connectivity becomes the backbone upon which sectors such as tourism continue to thrive and evolve,” he said.
He added that NetOne is expanding network coverage in key tourism corridors, a move expected to unlock previously underutilised destinations and stimulate rural tourism economies.
“Beyond this initiative, NetOne continues to invest in the broader digital ecosystem that supports tourism.
“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.
Tourism stakeholders believe the integration of digital systems will also improve data collection and analytics, enabling more targeted marketing strategies and better alignment with international travel trends.
This development is projected to increase Zimbabwe’s share of the global tourism market.
Beyond operational efficiencies, the partnership is expected to enhance the overall visitor experience by enabling seamless communication, digital payments, and access to real-time travel information, factors that increasingly define competitiveness in the global tourism industry.
The initiative also reflects a broader whole-of-government approach, bringing together ICT and tourism institutions to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure that benefits extend to local communities.
NetOne and ZTA’s partnership could prove pivotal in bridging the gap between traditional tourism offerings and the demands of a modern, digitally driven travel market.
With tourism already contributing approximately 15 percent to national GDP, the integration of advanced connectivity solutions is expected to amplify the sector’s economic impact, making it more resilient, accessible, and attractive to both investors and international visitors.
