President Mnangagwa Appoints Business Mogul Tagwirei As Senator

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei among 10 new Senators following the expansion of Zimbabwe’s Senate from 80 to 90 members under the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026.

The appointments were approved by Parliament after President Mnangagwa consulted the National Assembly, as required by the amended Constitution.

Tagwirei, the founder and owner of Sakunda Holdings, is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman with extensive interests spanning energy, mining and agriculture. His appointment brings a major figure from the private sector into the country’s upper legislative chamber.

The 10 presidentially appointed Senators are selected under the new constitutional provision based on professional skills and other competencies. Unlike elected Senators, they enter Parliament through presidential appointment and are required to undergo a swearing-in process before taking up their seats.

Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda announced the nominees during a sitting of the National Assembly.

The other appointees are Jabulani Sibanda, Mary Mliswa, Nokhutula Matsikenyere, Godwills Masimirembwa, Lucy Chitaga, retired Major-General Gibson Mashingaidze, Makosini Hlongwane, Brilliant Dube and Irene Mutumbwa.

The group includes former legislators, senior political figures, a retired military commander, a businessman and individuals with backgrounds in politics, law and civic affairs.

The expansion of the Senate and the creation of the 10 additional presidentially appointed seats follow the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, which was signed into law by President Mnangagwa in July.

The newly appointed Senators are now expected to be sworn in before formally taking their seats in the Senate.