By Edward Makuzva
NetOne, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network operator, stole the show at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show with its futuristic technology exhibits, showcasing the latest advancements in robotics, smart farming, and smart home solutions.
The company’s innovative displays drew attention from attendees and industry experts alike, highlighting the transformative potential of technology in agriculture.
NetOne’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development, stating, “Our presence here is not just to show face, but to demonstrate our commitment to exploring and showcasing the diverse range of technologies that can revolutionize the future of agriculture”, Eng Mushanawani explained.
Eng Mushanawani highlighted that his organisation’s present at the week-long exhibition arena was not only to show-face, but to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to sustainable development.
The NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer added that tge company’s displays included smart office and smart home solutions, leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize interactions with home devices. NetOne also showcased its support for innovation, sponsoring primary school students who developed robotic models.
NetOne’s Chief Commercial Officer, Learnmore Musunda, added, “We’ve brought a futuristic twist to the event with jaw-dropping technology displays.”
Masunda highlighted that how the organisation has assisted and sponsored some primary school kids who are into robotics, a partnership that is a going concern.
“The future is here, and as an organisation we have and will always support innovation. These robotic models you see here were done and programmed by primary school students. We have a bias towards building a sustainable future for the next generation and the time is now, hence our partnership with different tech-hubs”, says Musunda.
The company’s Acting Head of Marketing, Tatenda Makumborenga, emphasized that technology is no longer a luxury but a basic need, stating, “Integrating technology into agriculture can make processes more efficient, sustainable, and profitable” , said Makumborenga.
He reaveld that today’s fast-paced world, technology isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
” Our presence at the Agriculture Show underpin how integrating technology into agriculture can revolutionize the industry, making processes more efficient, sustainable, and ultimately more profitable.
“The issue in farming, since time immemorial, is about the yield, leakages and the management of information. The technologies that we are offering address these issue from planting and harvesting to monitoring crop health.”
“Here we have Animal Tracking, a technology that can monitor the movement of our livestock adding an extra layer of security. Moreover, with the geo-fencing feature you are also able get alerts if your livestock wanders off into restricted areas”, Said Makumborenga.
The reactions from show attendees were overwhelmingly positive, with many describing NetOne’s displays as eye-opening and inspiring, sparking conversations about the role of innovation in agriculture.