Kudakwashe Tagwirei Biography
Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, born February 12 1969 in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe is a Zimbabwean businessman (founder & CEO of Sakunda Holdings) and sponsor to ZANU-PF.
| Legal Name | Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei |
|---|---|
| Born | February 12, 1969 (Age 56 Years) |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Education | Solusi University |
| Wife | Sandra Mpunga |
| Networth | US$300 million ▲ (estimate) |
| Children | 3, Taonanyasha, Zachary and Kudaira |
| Parents | Phineas Tagwirei (Father, deceased 2018) |
| Occupation(s) | Founder & CEO of Sakunda Holdings |
Early Life and Education
Kudakwashe Tagwirei trained as a geologist and worked in the mining sector before moving into business. He later established Sakunda Holdings, which started as a fuel supply company.
Business Career
Tagwirei rose to national attention in the 2010s through Sakunda Holdings. His company won several government contracts, including those for supplying fuel and managing the Command Agriculture program; a government-backed farming initiative. Critics have accused the program of lacking transparency and benefiting politically connected individuals.
Sakunda also expanded into banking, energy, and mining. Tagwirei has acquired stakes in several mines and has been linked to companies involved in gold and platinum production. He has been connected to Kuvimba Mining House, a company with disputed ownership and strong state links.
Political Connections
Tagwirei is known for his close relationship with senior government officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His businesses have been associated with Zimbabwe’s economic policies and state-run programs. Some have described his role in the economy as an example of state capture, where private individuals influence government decisions for personal benefit.
In 2020, the United States government added Tagwirei to its sanctions list, accusing him of corruption and using his relationship with Zimbabwean leaders to gain access to state funds. The sanctions also targeted Sakunda Holdings and other entities linked to him.
Public Recognition
In 2024, Tagwirei became the first Black person to receive the Global Award of Excellence from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a move that drew both praise and criticism. Some viewed it as recognition of his charitable work, while others saw it as an attempt to improve his public image. [1]
Controversies
Tagwirei has faced several allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds, and monopolistic control over key sectors. Civil society groups and opposition parties have called for more transparency regarding his role in state programs and public finance.
Personal Life
Tagwirei is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He is known to support religious and community projects, although some details about his personal life remain private.