If you’re interested in exploring the lives of the richest people in Zimbabwe, you landed on the right page!
From business moguls and visionary leaders to dedicated professionals, our list below uncovers the diverse achievements that have shaped the nation’s progress.
These affluent individuals, coming from diverse backgrounds, have made noteworthy contributions that have left a lasting imprint on Zimbabwe’s history. Keep reading to explore the profiles of the wealthiest individuals in Zimbabwe and the sources of their wealth!
1. Strive Masiyiwa – First of the Richest people in Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa, a London-based billionaire, is a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s success. He founded and chairs Econet Global, an international technology group. Masiyiwa’s net worth is around $2.7 billion, and he’s known for his philanthropic endeavors.
Through his family foundation, he has provided scholarships to over 250,000 young Africans in the past two decades and supported 40,000 orphans with educational initiatives.
Masiyiwa, with a degree in electrical engineering, holds influential positions globally. He sits on the boards of Unilever, Netflix, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, demonstrating a strong commitment to both business and social impact.
2. Philip Chiyangwa
Philip Chiyangwa, a prominent Zimbabwean politician with a net worth of $2 billion, has woven a complex narrative within the country’s political and business fields.
Chiyangwa, born into a large family, is a relative of former President Robert Mugabe. His portfolio includes ownership of a tourist complex, manufacturing companies together with engineering ventures, and involvement in Zimbabwe’s Telecel.
He’s also connected to influential members of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, and he held multiple government offices.
Controversy surrounded his appointment as the head of Zimbabwe’s football association, while various land disputes marked his trajectory.
However, despite setbacks, including accusations of breaching the Official Secrets Act, Chiyangwa’s influence remained palpable until his removal from the party in 2005.
3. Shingai Mutasa
Shingai Mutasa, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Masawara, a Zimbabwe-focused investment firm listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM, commands a net worth of $2 billion.
Mutasa oversees financial giants like Zimnat Life Assurance and Zimnat Lion Assurance, with influence in diverse sectors. Additionally, he chairs Masawara, a pan-African investment company involved in finance, technology, real estate, agro-chemicals, and hospitality.
Beyond business, Mutasa’s family history intertwines with The United Methodist Church and Africa University, with ties dating back to the 1890s when his grandfather, Chief Tendai, granted land to Cecil Rhodes for educational opportunities.
4. Moses Tonderai Chingwena
Moses Tonderai Chingwena, the founder of CROCO Motors, holds the reins of Mazda, Ford, UD Trucks, and Volvo franchises in Zimbabwe, amassing a net worth of $150 million.
Despite his wealth, in fact, only a little is known about him.
His business endeavors have made a significant impact, however, a tragic incident in 2020 stained his reputation. Chingwena admitted responsibility for a fatal accident in Harare, where he lost control of his car, veered off the road, and struck a pedestrian, resulting in her tragic death.
This unfortunate incident led to a fine of $60,000, casting a shadow on his otherwise successful business ventures.
5. Ezekiel Guti – Fifth In The List Of Richest People in Zimbabwe
Ezekiel Guti, the revered founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God, a prominent Pentecostal Christian church, held a net worth of $205 million as of 2023.
Also recognized globally as Forward In Faith Ministries International (FIFMI), Guti dedicated an incredible 75 years to relentless preaching.
Beyond the pulpit, he established seven Bible colleges, named Africa Multi-Nation For Christ College, spanning Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and Ghana.
Guti, with academic credentials including BA, MA, DD, D.Min, and a Ph.D., made a significant impact on religious education. Despite his passing on July 5, 2023, at the age of 100, his legacy endures.
6. Solomon Guramatunhu
Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu, a distinguished ophthalmologist, has made significant strides in the field of eye care, accumulating an estimated net worth of $100 million.
Specializing in surgical and medical eye treatments, Dr. Guramatunhu earned his undergraduate medical degrees from the University of Zimbabwe.
However, his expertise in ophthalmology was further honed with postgraduate qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
7. Honour Mkushi
Honour Mkushi, a distinguished private professional lawyer with an estimated net worth of $100 million, has left a significant mark on Zimbabwe’s legal and business landscape.
With an LLB (Hons) London Degree, he has served as an advocate of the High Court of Zimbabwe since 1971. Additionally, he holds the position of Senior Partner at Sawyer and Mkushi Legal Practitioners. His role has provided him with extensive experience as a litigation lawyer, excelling in both criminal and civil practices.
Mkushi specializes in corporate and commercial law, securities, and banking law too. He holds chairmanship positions in prominent entities including Nissan Clover Leaf Motors, Automotive Distributor Pvt Ltd., CAFCA Ltd., Marsh Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd., and Lindsay Chemie Pharmaceuticals Limited.
8. James Makamba
James Makamba, a multifaceted figure, is a politician, commercial broadcaster, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Renowned as the father of the late popular media personality Zororo Makamba, he has made significant contributions across various sectors.
Makamba’s interests cover various sectors including retail, telecommunications, mining, agriculture, property, professional consultancy, digital publishing, and philanthropy. He heads notable entities such as IBBAMO Foundation, Thurlow and Co., JHL Investments, the Kestrel Corporation (Pty) Ltd, Makamba and Associates, African Business Connect, and Telecel Zimbabwe.
He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from California Coast University. In addition, Makamba has held key political positions, including Town Board Chairman and Member of Parliament for Mount Darwin constituency.
Final Thoughts About the Richest People in Zimbabwe
In closing, these stories reflect the diverse and impactful journeys of individuals who have played pivotal roles in Zimbabwe’s financial narrative.
From dedicated professionals to visionary leaders, these figures contribute to the nation’s growth and societal fabric. As we conclude, their legacies remain an enduring testament to the resilience, talent, and success that continue to shape Zimbabwe’s future.
