Staff Writer
The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) has welcomed the appointment of businessman and philanthropist Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei as Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion, describing it as a significant development in Zimbabwe’s quest to achieve its Vision 2030 goals.
In an interview with The Blast, CAES interim leader Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo hailed Dr Tagwirei as a patriot whose involvement in business, philanthropy and economic development had contributed to national development.
“We welcome his appointment because he is a true son of the soil and a patriot who has been involved in various economic projects. Dr Tagwirei is also a philanthropist who has supported communities through charitable initiatives, despite having been placed under economic sanctions by Western countries,” Muchenje said.
He said Dr Tagwirei’s continued involvement in charitable activities demonstrated that sanctions had not stopped him from supporting vulnerable communities.
“Sanctions have not stopped him from carrying out his charitable work. He has continued providing assistance to various communities across the country.
“We believe that by 2030, through the efforts of people like Dr Tagwirei, Zimbabwe will have made significant progress towards achieving its national vision,” he said.
Muchenje also commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for appointing Dr Tagwirei to the ministerial position, expressing confidence in the President’s leadership and economic development agenda.
“We would like to thank President Mnangagwa for his vision for the country and for giving Dr Tagwirei the opportunity to contribute directly to national economic development,” he said.
President Mnangagwa appointed Dr Tagwirei as Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion on October 8, 2026, with immediate effect. The appointment was announced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya in terms of Section 104(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The appointment followed the restructuring of the former Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, with Professor Mthuli Ncube reassigned to head the Ministry of Finance, while Dr Tagwirei took charge of the economic development and investment promotion portfolio.
The changes separated Treasury responsibilities from the government’s economic development and investment promotion functions, placing the latter under Dr Tagwirei’s leadership at a time when Zimbabwe continues to pursue investment mobilisation, economic growth and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Dr Tagwirei is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman with interests in the energy sector and other commercial ventures. He was also appointed to the Senate in August 2026, ahead of his elevation to Cabinet.
CAES is an organisation that campaigns for the removal of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and advocates against what it considers the negative effects of the restrictions on the national economy and ordinary citizens. The organisation has undertaken public awareness campaigns and community engagements promoting its anti-sanctions message and supporting the country’s development agenda.