NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani to Exit as Board Declines Contract Renewal

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Raphael Mushanawani will leave Zimbabwe's second-largest mobile network operator after the board resolved not to renew his contract when it expires in September 2026, bringing an end to a four-year tenure marked by legal battles, governance disputes and financial challenges.

Multiple media reports indicate that Mushanawani, who has been on annual leave since 13 July, was informed that his contract would not be renewed following a board resolution reached last week. If confirmed by NetOne, his departure would make him the latest chief executive to exit the state-owned telecommunications company amid governance controversies. Over the past decade, former CEOs Reward Kangai and Lazarus Muchenje also left the organisation under difficult circumstances. At the time of publication, NetOne had not issued an official public statement announcing the board's decision.

Reports indicate that Chief Technical Officer Christopher Muchechemera has assumed the role of acting chief executive pending the appointment of a substantive CEO. The reported leadership change comes as NetOne continues to navigate significant financial and operational challenges in Zimbabwe's highly competitive telecommunications market.

Mushanawani's reported exit follows months of scrutiny over the company's governance, procurement processes and financial management. According to reports, one of the issues considered by the board was a substantial tax assessment issued by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Media reports have alleged that disagreements emerged over how the tax matter should be handled, with claims that management pursued legal remedies instead of implementing a board-approved payment arrangement. Southerton Business Times has not independently verified these claims, and neither NetOne nor ZIMRA has publicly commented on the reported dispute. NetOne has also been reported to be carrying significant debt obligations, placing additional pressure on the state-owned mobile operator as it competes with private sector rivals.

In late 2025, Mushanawani was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in connection with allegations involving a US$1.2 million enterprise software upgrade.

The allegations centred on claims that the software upgrade had been implemented without the required approvals. Mushanawani denied wrongdoing and was subsequently cleared by the courts, allowing him to remain in office.

NetOne has experienced frequent changes in executive leadership over the past decade, with several chief executives leaving the organisation before completing long-term tenures. Corporate governance experts have previously argued that frequent leadership turnover at state-owned enterprises can disrupt strategic planning, delay investment decisions and affect organisational performance. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has noted that strong governance frameworks, transparent procurement systems and clear separation between boards and executive management are critical to the effective operation of state-owned enterprises.

As one of Zimbabwe's largest telecommunications companies, NetOne plays a strategic role in expanding digital connectivity, mobile financial services and broadband access across the country. Attention will now turn to whether the board confirms Mushanawani's departure officially and outlines its plans for appointing a substantive chief executive to steer the company through its next phase.

Raphael Mushanawani NetOne