By Desire Tshuma
Harare -Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei was sworn in as Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Monday morning.
Tagwirei, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit, took the oath of office, signed the documents and shook hands with the President in a ceremony attended by senior officials, military commanders and family members.
The appointment, announced on 8 October, comes after the President split the old Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion into two. Professor Mthuli Ncube was retained as Minister of Finance, while Tagwirei was handed the new portfolio covering economic development, investment promotion and state-owned enterprises.
Tagwirei is the founder of Sakunda Holdings, with interests in fuel, mining, agriculture and logistics. His company has been central to government programmes, including fuel supply and the Presidential Inputs Programme. He was co-opted into ZANU-PF’s Central Committee in 2025 and appointed to the Senate in August 2026 under Constitutional Amendment No. 3, before being elevated to Cabinet.
Supporters say his business experience will help drive investment and Vision 2030, the government’s plan for upper-middle-income status. He has previously pledged support for the ruling party, including $1 million and 10 vehicles for each province.