Mr. Willard Nygwande
Nationality: Zimbadwean
Country of Residence: Zimbabwe
Organisation or affiliation: Powertel Communications
Position: Managing Director
Brief Motivation
The nominee has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in advancing internet growth in Zimbabwe and the region. As the head of Powertel Communications, he successfully implemented a universal access to data strategy, aligning commercial sustainability with inclusive connectivity goals. Under his leadership, Powertel achieved a massive increase in internet gateway capacity, growing from 5Gbps to 30Gbps within just one year, a milestone that reflects innovation, foresight, and execution. Beyond business growth, he has been instrumental in driving digital inclusion, strengthening national internet infrastructure, and fostering resilience of connectivity.
His experience bridges both the technical and strategic dimensions of internet development, making him well-placed to contribute to AFRINIC’s governance. With a track record in innovation, stakeholder engagement, and aligning infrastructure development with broader ICT policy goals, he is committed to advancing AFRINIC’s mission of supporting internet growth, digital transformation, and sustainable connectivity across Africa.
Professional Background
Willard Nyagwande is a visionary ICT executive and marketer with over twenty years of leadership in telecommunications, internet services, and strategic management. He is the Acting Managing Director of Powertel Communications, Zimbabwe’s largest private Internet Access Provider, having previously served as Chief Commercial Officer (2010–2023).
At Powertel, Willard repositioned the company from a wholesale back-office player into a leading, customer-focused data services provider. He drove revenue growth, introduced inclusive access models, and championed universal access to data, aligning commercial sustainability with national development priorities.
Since becoming Acting Managing Director in 2023, he has overseen major infrastructure expansions. He grew Powertel’s international internet gateway capacity from 5Gbps to over 30Gbps within a year and led a 700km fibre backbone from Bulawayo to Beitbridge, linking Zimbabwe to Teraco South Africa via OPGW and electricity infrastructure. Currently, he is leading a 200Gbps cross-border project connecting Zimbabwe to Botswana and Zambia, expandable to 4Tbps, enhancing regional IP Transit and digital integration.
Willard’s career balances strategy, innovation, and governance. He collaborates with regulators, ministries, and regional partners, aligning infrastructure growth with Vision 2030 and NDS1 & NDS2, reinforcing Powertel’s role in digital inclusion. His leadership reflects AFRINIC’s principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and regional collaboration.
Academically, he is pursuing a PhD in Strategic Management. He holds an MBA in Business Innovation (BEBS, Spain), a Master of Commerce in Marketing Strategy, and a BSc Honours in Business Studies (University of Zimbabwe). He is a Member of the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe, the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe, and the Institute of Public Relations and Communications Zimbabwe, and a former Vice President of the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe. His board experience includes Powertel and other corporate and educational boards.
Recognised with multiple awards, including Director of the Year (IoDZ 2025), Willard has built a reputation as a transformative leader who delivers results. His combination of executive leadership, governance expertise, and transformative infrastructure delivery positions him to contribute effectively to the AFRINIC Board, strengthening Africa’s internet ecosystem and advancing a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready internet.