Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman with long-standing ties to the ruling elite, has stepped into the national political spotlight, fuelling speculation that he may be positioning himself as a successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking at a youth conference hosted by the United Family International Church (UFIC), Tagwirei shared his personal story of rising from humble beginnings to building a vast business empire. His speech, rich in religious and motivational themes, was seen by many as a strategic move to court public favour—particularly among youth and churchgoers.
His growing public profile and recent appointment to Zanu-PF’s Central Committee in Harare, along with his role as chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, suggest a deliberate shift from behind-the-scenes influence to active political engagement.
Mnangagwa, whose second and final term under Zimbabwe’s constitution is due to end in 2028, is reportedly seeking to extend his tenure to 2030. The succession race has intensified, pitting Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga—backed by war veterans and military loyalists—against Mnangagwa’s inner circle. In this contest, Tagwirei is emerging as a key ally of the President.
Chiwenga has been bolstering his position, reportedly relying on support from retired and serving military figures. In response, Mnangagwa has moved to tighten his grip, including recent changes in top military leadership, replacing Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe with Emmanuel Matatu.
While Chiwenga brings military strength to the succession fight, Tagwirei wields substantial financial influence and access to powerful networks across business, religion, and media. He is believed to enjoy backing from senior military figures, including Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda of the Presidential Guard.
In Masvingo, Tagwirei made a pointed remark: “If one has money, they can get power and control the military.” Though made in passing, the statement underscores the nexus of wealth, politics and military influence in Zimbabwe’s governance.
Tagwirei also enjoys strong ties to religious institutions. He is a respected elder in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and maintains a close relationship with UFIC leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, whom he credits for healing him during a past illness. His Bridging Gap Foundation has earned him accolades for education-focused philanthropy, and he has funded football clubs and hospitals, further enhancing his public image.
However, critics argue that these initiatives are politically motivated and serve to entrench his influence. His close involvement in state-linked ventures—such as Command Agriculture and Kuvimba Mining—has drawn scrutiny, with allegations of cronyism and opaque dealings, claims he denies.
Unlike other business figures such as telecoms mogul Strive Masiyiwa, who has stayed clear of politics, Tagwirei appears fully embedded in Zanu-PF’s power structure. But his lack of political experience and grassroots support could prove a liability in any formal bid for leadership.
As the Zanu-PF succession struggle deepens, Tagwirei’s future remains uncertain. He is seen by some as a kingmaker, by others as a possible king. Yet in a political system where military endorsement is often decisive, his fate may rest on whether he can maintain elite support without provoking backlash.
For now, Tagwirei stands as a contender—guided by faith, bolstered by wealth, and navigating the treacherous terrain of Zimbabwe’s succession politics.
