Tagwirei's political star rises

The political influence of fuel and mining magnate Kudakwashe Tagwirei - widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe's most powerful businessmen - appears to be growing, following his recent co-option into the Zanu-PF Central Committee, despite strong resistance from Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's faction.

Tagwirei, long known for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is increasingly stepping into the political spotlight, fuelling intense speculation that the president may be grooming him - or Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda - as a possible successor.

In a video circulating on social media this week, Tagwirei was seen leaving a Zanu-PF Harare Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in a high-security convoy, complete with police escort, underscoring his growing stature within the ruling establishment.

His recent participation in internal party activities marks a significant shift for the businessman, who has previously operated behind the scenes as a key financier and adviser within Zanu-PF's power structure.

However, Tagwirei's rise has not been without controversy. His appointment to the Central Committee reportedly sparked fierce objections from Chiwenga's camp, which views him as an outsider being parachuted into the party's upper echelons for Mnangagwa's political ends.

Sources within Zanu-PF say the move is part of Mnangagwa's broader succession chess game, as internal divisions deepen between rival factions positioning for control of both the party and the state after the president's term ends in 2028 - or 2030 if efforts to extend it succeed.

Chiwenga, who led the 2017 military coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, has long been seen as the natural successor. But his strained relations with Mnangagwa and Tagwirei's growing influence - both politically and financially - have heightened tensions within the ruling elite.

Political analysts say Tagwirei's new visibility signals a shift in Zanu-PF's internal dynamics, with Mnangagwa seeking to consolidate power around loyalists in both the political and business spheres.

"Tagwirei is not just a businessman anymore; he's a political actor," one analyst noted. "His inclusion in the Central Committee gives him a direct line into the party's decision-making structures - and that's significant in Zanu-PF politics."

Tagwirei, through his company Sakunda Holdings, has been a central player in Zimbabwe's fuel supply chain, agriculture programmes such as Command Agriculture, and major infrastructure projects. His vast economic footprint and alleged influence in government contracts have earned him both wealth and notoriety.

For Chiwenga and his allies, Tagwirei's rise represents a potential threat to their long-standing military-political power base, setting the stage for renewed factional contestation as the party heads towards its next congress and the 2028 elections.

As one senior Zanu-PF official put it:

"The succession fight has moved from whispers to open positioning. Tagwirei's entry into formal politics changes the game - and Chiwenga knows it."