By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, 31 July 2026 — NetOne has called on young Zimbabweans to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for innovation, industrialization and job creation while warning that the rapid growth of digital technologies must be matched by stronger cybersecurity measures.
The call was made yesterday during an Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Mutare under the theme, “Innovate, Industrialize and Create Employment with AI.” NetOne Regional Manager Willard Mazanhi delivered the keynote address on behalf of the company’s Vice Board Chairperson, Dr Tendai Zengeni.
Addressing students, educators, entrepreneurs, government stakeholders and technology experts, Mazanhi said AI is already transforming Zimbabwe’s economy and should be viewed as a tool capable of driving national development across multiple sectors.
“At NetOne, we believe that AI is not merely a technology of the future—it is the engine driving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation today. As Zimbabwe’s pioneering mobile network, we are committed to connecting communities while empowering young people with the digital skills needed to shape tomorrow,” he said.
The conference brought together school heads, teachers, Marymount Teachers’ College staff, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), business entrepreneurs, Zimpapers representatives and students to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.
Mazanhi said AI is reshaping industries ranging from healthcare, agriculture and education to mining, manufacturing and financial services. However, he cautioned that the technology also presents significant cybersecurity risks if not deployed responsibly.
“AI can help us detect fraud, identify cyberattacks before they happen, secure our networks and protect customer information in real time. But the same technology can also be abused through phishing, identity theft, deepfakes and sophisticated cybercrime. That is why AI and cybersecurity must always go hand in hand,” he said.
He said NetOne is investing in intelligent technologies to strengthen network resilience, improve customer experience and enhance the security of telecommunications services across Zimbabwe.
“Behind every call, mobile money transaction and internet connection is a dedicated team working around the clock to keep our network secure,” Mazanhi said.
The telecommunications company also challenged students attending the conference to position themselves for careers in the country’s emerging digital economy.
“You are the generation that will build Zimbabwe’s AI ecosystem. Some of you will become software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, robotics experts, data scientists and digital entrepreneurs. The opportunities are limitless. The jobs of the future will not only be sought—they will be created by innovators like you,” he said.
Marking NetOne’s 30th anniversary, Mazanhi said the state-owned mobile network operator is repositioning itself from being solely a telecommunications provider to becoming a digital solutions partner that supports innovation, startups and smart communities.
“As NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabwe, we are evolving beyond being just a telecommunications company. We are becoming a digital solutions partner that powers innovation, supports startups, enables smart communities, and creates opportunities for every Zimbabwean through technology,” he said.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly while strengthening cybersecurity to safeguard the country’s digital future.
“Let us embrace Artificial Intelligence responsibly. Let us innovate ethically. Let us protect our digital future through strong cybersecurity. And together, let us build a smarter, safer and more prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The conference formed part of growing national efforts to promote digital literacy and encourage young people to develop technological skills aligned with Zimbabwe’s industrialization and innovation agenda.
