Tinotenda Hove – Both Kuda Tagwirei and Paul Tungwarara are increasingly being viewed as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s key allies in policies critics say have helped sink Zimbabwe’s economy.

Special Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara on Friday held a closed-door meeting in Harare with ZANU-PF Central Committee member Elder Dr Kuda Tagwirei, a gathering officials claimed was meant to “brainstorm empowerment initiatives” ahead of 2026. However, the meeting has sparked backlash from observers who see it as more of the same elite deal-making that has left ordinary citizens poorer.

“This is not empowerment, it is elite recycling,” said one economic analyst. “The same people who benefited while the economy collapsed are now presenting themselves as saviours.”
Critics argue that both men are closely tied to Mnangagwa’s inner circle and have thrived while inflation, unemployment and currency instability have worsened.

“Tagwirei and Tungwarara are front runners in a system that has ruined livelihoods,” said a civil society activist. “When they talk about empowerment, people hear looting.”
Despite official claims that the discussions focused on uplifting communities, sceptics remain unconvinced. “We have heard these promises before,” another critic said. “They always say ‘empowerment’, but what follows is deeper poverty.”

As 2026 approaches, the meeting has reinforced public suspicion that political insiders are regrouping to protect their interests, even as the broader economy continues to slide.