Zimbabwean tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei sworn in as minister
Zimbabwean businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been appointed as the country's minister of economic development and investment promotion. His appointment follows a rapid political ascent despite being under U.S. and British sanctions for alleged corruption.
Why it matters
The appointment highlights the consolidation of power within the Zimbabwean government and raises questions regarding international sanctions and political accountability.
Zimbabwean tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei was sworn in as the country's minister of economic development and investment promotion on Oct. 12, completing a rapid move from the boardroom into government that has made him one of the most powerful figures in President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.
Mnangagwa administered the oath at State House in Harare, four days after announcing the appointment. Tagwirei, who has been under US sanctions since 2020, takes charge of a ministry carved out of the finance department, splitting economic planning and investment promotion from the budget, tax and debt portfolio that remains with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
"In essence, my role is to look at the economic objectives of the National Development Strategy 2," Tagwirei said after the ceremony, according to The Herald, referring to the government's five-year economic plan.
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