Mnangagwa splits Zimbabwe's economic team and makes tycoon Tagwirei a minister
Mthuli Ncube keeps finance. Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a prominent businessman sworn in as a senator only last month, takes a new portfolio for economic development and investment.
Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reshuffled the team that runs Zimbabwe's economy, bringing the businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei into cabinet, 263Chat reports.
Tagwirei has been appointed Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion. Professor Mthuli Ncube, who has run the treasury since 2018, has been reassigned as Minister of Finance.
Two portfolios where there was one
The changes were announced by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, who said both appointments were made under Section 104(1) of the constitution.
The effect is to divide economic oversight between two ministers. Ncube keeps the public finances. Tagwirei takes charge of economic development and of attracting investment.
The government presented the move as part of its efforts "to drive economic growth, investment and development".
A rapid rise
Tagwirei is one of the country's best-known businessmen. He entered Parliament only in September, when he was sworn in as a senator after the appointment of 10 new senators.
Zimbabwe's constitution requires ministers to be members of Parliament, with a limited number of exceptions, so the Senate seat cleared the way for a cabinet post.
The statement gave no detail on how responsibilities that previously sat in one ministry will be divided in practice, or on who will lead talks with international lenders.
This report is based on reporting by 263Chat, via AllAfrica.
