NetOne and ZTA sign digital partnership as tourism regulator moves from paper inspections to real-time systems

NetOne and ZTA sign digital partnership as tourism regulator moves from paper inspections to real-time systems
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Zimbabwe’s mobile network operator NetOne has formalised a strategic partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) aimed at accelerating digital transformation in tourism services, including the modernisation of inspections, licensing and data collection.

The partnership was announced at an event held in Acturus, Harare on April 1, 2025, attended by government officials, board members, industry representatives and the media. NetOne handed over computer equipment to ZTA, which speakers said was intended as an investment in improving digital capacity rather than a once-off donation.

NetOne’s Chief Finance Officer, Mrs Nyasha Nyambuya, delivered welcome remarks on behalf of board chairman Mr Taurai Maurukira, saying the gathering was meant to affirm “a shared vision” centred on collaboration, innovation and digital transformation. In her speech, she also acknowledged President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s modernisation agenda and noted First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa’s role as patron of tourism.

Mr Joseph Machiva, NetOne’s General Manager for Financial Services, spoke on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, who did not attend. Machiva said NetOne viewed itself as a “national enabler” and outlined support for ZTA’s inspectorate function as it shifts from manual, paper-based processes to digitised operations. According to the remarks, this will include ICT tools, secure connectivity and integrated digital platforms to enable real-time data collection, stronger regulatory efficiency and improved service delivery.

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Machiva said the partnership would also align with wider connectivity work in tourism areas. He cited expanded network coverage in key tourism corridors and destinations, Wi‑Fi deployment in strategic locations and “eTourism SIM solutions” aimed at helping international travellers access services while supporting local digital platforms. “These are not isolated interventions,” he said, describing them as part of a sustained effort to keep the tourism sector competitive and responsive to modern digital expectations.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Beaulah Chirume, said the programme should be understood as a government-driven intervention delivered through coordinated institutional action. She referenced Zimbabwe’s recently launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and urged ministries and agencies to generate structured, high-quality data supported by modern digital tools, arguing this would improve operational visibility and compliance while laying a base for predictive analytics.

In her address, Dr Chirume also said tourism is the sale of an “experience” that includes telecommunications, accommodation and the reception visitors receive from everyday Zimbabweans. She challenged stakeholders to pursue technology-enabled innovation that could make Zimbabwe “the destination of choice”.

Dr Chirume further announced that NetOne was handing over 50 devices, and said the sector regulator had also contributed an additional 20,000, which drew applause from attendees.

Speaking for the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Chief Director Mrs Tarirai Musonza delivered remarks on behalf of Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa. Musonza said the equipment arrives “at a pivotal moment” for the move towards a digitalised tourism ecosystem, and she credited newly installed ZTA chief executive Dr George Manyaya, two months into the role, for acting quickly on the initiative.

Musonza cited Section 194 of the Constitution on cooperation among government institutions, saying tourism depends on support from ICT, transport, local government, immigration, security, environmental management and the private sector. She also argued that strong connectivity can amplify destination marketing, referring to a visit by a social media personality with a reported following of 40 million, saying such exposure can market Zimbabwe with limited spending beyond infrastructure.

According to Musonza, the ministry will work to ensure the donated resources are used effectively to support registration and licensing of tourism facilities across all provinces, strengthen provincial offices under the devolution agenda and improve operational efficiency through digitised systems. She concluded with the message: “Zimbabwe is not only open — it is connected.”

ZTA board chairperson Mr Farai Chimba delivered a vote of thanks, saying the collaboration should be sustained beyond the Acturus event and expanded through continued cooperation between institutions.

Speakers linked the partnership to broader national efforts to reduce manual inefficiencies and build digital public services. Dr Chirume noted that tourism contributes in excess of 15 percent to Zimbabwe’s GDP, underscoring the economic importance of modernising systems that support visitor services, regulatory oversight and destination competitiveness.

For communities in Mashonaland Central and across the country, the practical impact will depend on how quickly improved connectivity, digital inspections and data-driven management reach tourism corridors, heritage sites and local enterprises, including accommodation and hospitality operators that rely on reliable mobile and internet services.

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